Recent advances in iron metabolism and related disorders

Abstract

Iron is essential for life, because it is indispensable for several biological reactions such as oxygen transport, DNA synthesis and cell proliferation, but is toxic if present in excess since it causes cellular damage through free radical formation. Either cellular or systemic iron regulation can be disrupted in disorders of iron metabolism. In the past few years, our understanding of iron metabolism and its regulation has dramatically changed. New disorders of iron metabolism have emerged and the role of iron has started to be recognized as a cofactor of other disorders. The study of genetic conditions such as hemochromatosis and iron-refractory-iron-deficiency anemia (IRIDA) has provided crucial insights into the molecular mechanisms controlling iron homeostasis. In the future, these advances may be exploited for a more effective treatment of both genetic and acquired iron disorders.

Fe-Blf Nanoformulation Targets Survivin to Kill Colon Cancer Stem Cells and Maintains Absorption of Iron, Calcium and Zinc

“…Iron is stored in cells in the form of ferritin, which protects cells from its toxic effects and that iron is transported in plasma mainly bound to Tf. Nonheme iron is mostly absorbed in the duodenum where ferric iron (Fe 3+ ) in food is reduced to Fe 2+ by the cytochrome reductase DcytB and then transported across the apical membrane into the enterocyte by DMT1 [61]. The miRNA responsible for iron homeostasis in mice has been identified as the liver-specific miR-122 [62].…”

Clinical significance of microcytosis in patients with primary myelofibrosis

“…In the general population microcytic anemia is typically associated with iron deficiency, secondary to poor oral intake, malabsorption or active bleeding, [4, 5] conditions that are not uncommon in patients with PMF. [6] Furthermore, iron homeostasis has been shown to be abnormal in patients with PMF.…”

Parameters influencing in-hospital mortality in patients hospitalized in intensive cardiac care unit: is there an influence of anemia and iron deficiency?

“…In addition, serum ferritin level is difficult to interpret during inflammation because its expression is induced by both iron overload and inflammatory cytokines [8]. Recently, it has been demonstrated that there is an expanded role of hepcidin in ACD, a hormone of iron metabolism, [21]. Although the application of the ratio of soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR)/ferritin in distinguishing ACD from ACD/IDA is suggested, it may be difficult to implement in everyday clinical practice [9].…”