Role of Iron in Aging Related Diseases

Abstract

Iron progressively accumulates with age and can be further exacerbated by dietary iron intake, genetic factors, and repeated blood transfusions. While iron plays a vital role in various physiological processes within the human body, its accumulation contributes to cellular aging in several species. In its free form, iron can initiate the formation of free radicals at a cellular level and contribute to systemic disorders. This is most evident in high iron conditions such as hereditary hemochromatosis, when accumulation of iron contributes to the development of arthritis, cirrhosis, or cardiomyopathy. A growing body of research has further identified iron’s contributory effects in neurodegenerative diseases, ocular disorders, cancer, diabetes, endocrine dysfunction, and cardiovascular diseases. Reducing iron levels by repeated phlebotomy, iron chelation, and dietary restriction are the common therapeutic considerations to prevent iron toxicity. Chelators such as deferoxamine, deferiprone, and deferasirox have become the standard of care in managing iron overload conditions with other potential applications in cancer and cardiotoxicity. In certain animal models, drugs with iron chelating ability have been found to promote health and even extend lifespan. As we further explore the role of iron in the aging process, iron chelators will likely play an increasingly important role in our health.

Mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative disorders

“…This itself is curious, as ferritin is primarily an intracellular protein, and the release into the circulatory system is itself an indicator of cellular disruption. Macrophages are tasked with the collection of poorly chelated iron, and the presence of iron-laden macrophages is another hallmark noted in individuals prone to neurodegenerative disease [ [113] , [114] , [115] ].…”

Indicators of Blood Glucose Imbalance in Children with Beta-thalassemia Major

“…A high calorie, high protein diet with antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E may help mitigate the damage done by iron overload. [18]…”

Iron Metabolism in Cancer and Senescence: A Cellular Perspective

“…Experimental data have demonstrated that intracellular iron content increases during replicative and stress-induced senescence in normal cells [44,45]. Accordingly, iron accumulation in tissue has been associated with aging and with the development of age-related diseases [46,47]. Although alterations in proteins involved in iron metabolism have been reported in senescent cells, the role of iron in senescence has not been clarified.…”