Iron in the blood
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Iron in the Blood: Metabolism, Functions, and Disorders
Iron Metabolism in the Blood
Iron is a vital element for numerous biological processes, primarily due to its role in oxygen transport and storage. Most of the body's iron is bound to hemoglobin in red blood cells (RBCs), facilitating oxygen transport from the lungs to tissues 12. Iron from aged RBCs is recycled by macrophages in the spleen, liver, and bone marrow, ensuring a continuous supply of this essential metal 1.
Dietary iron is absorbed in the duodenum by enterocytes through the divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) and transported to the bloodstream via ferroportin (FPN). In the blood, iron binds to transferrin, which delivers it to various cells, including hepatocytes, macrophages, and bone marrow cells, via transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) 14. The liver plays a crucial role in iron storage, with most iron stored in a ferritin-bound form 1.
Regulation of Iron Levels
The regulation of iron levels in the body is tightly controlled to prevent both deficiency and overload. Hepcidin, a peptide hormone produced by the liver, is a key regulator of iron homeostasis. It binds to ferroportin, causing its internalization and degradation, thereby reducing iron release into the bloodstream 14. This mechanism ensures that iron levels remain balanced, preventing toxicity from excess iron.
Functions of Iron in Blood Cells
Iron is indispensable for the production of hemoglobin, the protein in RBCs that carries oxygen. It also plays a role in various enzymatic processes and is involved in the function of different leukocytes, which are crucial for immune responses 23. Iron homeostasis is influenced by cytokines during inflammation, highlighting its role in immune function 2.
Iron-Related Disorders
Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional disorder worldwide, affecting over 1.2 billion individuals. It can lead to anemia, characterized by reduced hemoglobin levels, which impairs oxygen transport and causes fatigue, weakness, and other health issues 8. Iron deficiency can result from increased physiological demands, reduced dietary intake, or chronic blood loss 8.
Iron Overload
Conversely, iron overload, such as in hemochromatosis, can cause severe organ damage due to the accumulation of iron in tissues like the liver, heart, and pancreas. This condition can be genetic or acquired and requires careful management to prevent complications 24. Genetic mutations, such as those in the HFE gene, disrupt normal iron regulation, leading to excessive iron absorption and storage 4.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches
Diagnosing iron-related disorders involves measuring iron levels in the blood, including hemoglobin iron, plasma iron, and non-transferrin-bound iron (NTBI) 910. Advanced techniques like magnetophoresis are being explored for their potential in diagnosing and treating iron-related diseases due to the paramagnetic properties of iron-containing cells 2.
Treatment strategies for iron deficiency include oral and intravenous iron supplements, with the choice depending on the severity of the deficiency and the patient's overall health. For iron overload, therapeutic phlebotomy and chelation therapy are common approaches to reduce iron levels 8.
Conclusion
Iron is a critical component of blood, essential for oxygen transport, immune function, and various metabolic processes. The body maintains a delicate balance of iron through complex regulatory mechanisms involving absorption, storage, and recycling. Understanding these processes and the disorders associated with iron imbalance is crucial for developing effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
On Iron Metabolism and Its Regulation
Cellular and systemic iron regulation involves key mechanisms and players, with hepcidin playing a key role in controlling iron release from cells into the blood.
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