Joint Transcriptomic Analysis of the Effect of Iron Concentration on Piglet Liver and Functional Validation of Iron Regulatory Genes

Iron is an essential trace element that plays a critical role in various physiological processes, including oxygen transport, hematopoiesis, and adaptive responses to hypoxia. This study investigated the effects of different iron concentrations on serum parameters in piglets and identified key hepatic iron regulatory genes for functional validation. Eighteen weaned piglets were randomly assigned to three groups: low-iron group (0 mg/kg), control group (100 mg/kg), and high-iron group (200 mg/kg). Fasting serum samples were collected to determine the iron metabolism parameters, and visceral tissues were harvested to assess iron deposition. Genes involved in hepatic iron regulation were screened via transcriptomics analysis, and their functions were validated using primary liver cells from piglets. The results indicated that the high-iron group exhibited compromised growth, with significantly elevated HIF-1 levels and the lowest TFR in the low-iron group. Transcriptome analysis identified 14 key genes related to serum iron regulation. Iron supplementation increased cellular iron content, with gene expression positively correlating with iron concentration. These findings highlight the impact of iron levels on liver function and identify key genes involved in iron metabolism, providing valuable insights for improving breeding practices and managing iron-related diseases.