Original Full Length ArticleIron status and fibroblast growth factor-23 in Gambian children

A relationship between iron and fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) metabolic pathways has been proposed. Iron deficiency anaemia is prevalent in The Gambia and concentrations of fibroblast growth factor-23 FGF23 are elevated in a large percentage of Gambian children with rickets-like bone deformity.We speculate that low iron status may be involved in the aetiology of Gambian rickets. The aim of this study was to determine if there was a relationship between haemoglobin, as a marker of iron status, and FGF23 in samples from children with and without a history of rickets-like bone deformities in The Gambia. We conducted a retrospective analysis of studies carried out from 2006 to 2008 in children from a rural community in The Gambia where iron deficiency anaemia is endemic and where elevated circulating concentrations of FGF23 have been found. To investigate the relationship between circulating FGF23 and haemoglobin concentrations we used an age-adjusted linear regression model on data from children < 18 y of age with a family or personal history of rickets-like bone deformity (BD) (n = 108) and from the local community (LC) (n = 382).We found that circulating concentration of FGF23 was inversely correlated with haemoglobin concentration. This effect was more pronounced in BD children compared with LC children (interaction: P ≤ 0.0001). Anaemia and elevated FGF23 were more prevalent in BD children compared to LC children (P = 0.0003 and P = 0.0001 respectively).In conclusion, there is a stronger relationship between FGF23 and haemoglobin in Gambian children with a history of rickets compared to local community children. This study provides support for the contention that iron may be involved in FGF23 metabolic pathways.

► We analysed data from Gambian children with and without a family history of rickets. ► Hb is negatively correlated with FGF23. ► This relationship is significantly steeper in children with a history of rickets. ► Iron status may be involved in FGF23 metabolic pathways. ► Iron status may contribute to the aetiology of Gambian rickets.