Physiology of Iron Metabolism

Abstract

A revolution occurred during the last decade in the comprehension of the physiology as well as in the physiopathology of iron metabolism. The purpose of this review is to summarize the recent knowledge that has accumulated, allowing a better comprehension of the mechanisms implicated in iron homeostasis. Iron metabolism is very fine tuned. The free molecule is very toxic; therefore, complex regulatory mechanisms have been developed in mammalian to insure adequate intestinal absorption, transportation, utilization, and elimination. ‘Ironomics' certainly will be the future of the understanding of genes as well as of the protein-protein interactions involved in iron metabolism.

The Iron Metabolism in Children Is Normal Also at Infectious Diseases

“…Поскольку воспаление -комплексный местный или об-щий патологический процесс, возникающий преимущест-венно в результате вирусных и/или бактериальных ин-фекций, можно выделить определенные различия между различными нозологическими формами описываемой па-тологии, основываясь на биохимических показателях [3]. В этой связи внимания заслуживают показатели, характе-ризующие обмен Fe в организме [4].…”

Blood and iron

“…Hepcidin 25 binds to ferroportin in enterocytes and macrophages leading to lysosomal degradation. Thereby, dietary iron absorption is turned off effectively [4]. Expression and secretion of hepcidin are regulated in the liver involving iron sensing at the membrane and Bmp/Smad signaling ( Fig.…”

“…Overall, iron absorption is well regulated in the body. However, for example, in patients with iron-deficiency anemia or in the presence of inflammation, iron key players are dysregulated [4].…”

Effect of hemochromatosis on manganese neurotoxicity

“…Some proteins play as a cargo of iron in blood such as transferrin (Tf) and ferritin, whereas other proteins such as hepcidin and iron regulatory proteins (IRPs) play a key role in iron regulation [10]. Another set of proteins are involved iron transport through the cellular membrane such as the divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), transferrin receptors (TfRs), ferroportin, duodenal cytochrome B (dcytb), heme carrier protein (HCP) and ceruloplasmin (Cp) [11].…”

“…Other proteins and many different enzymes, such as myoglobin (Mb), hemoglobin (Hb) and cytochrome P450, are the final products of iron metabolism and need iron for their normal function [10].…”