Non heme iron
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Non-Heme Iron: Insights from Recent Research
Non-Heme Iron and Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Recent studies have explored the relationship between dietary iron intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD). A comprehensive meta-analysis found that while heme iron intake is significantly associated with an increased risk of CVD, non-heme iron intake shows no such association1. This suggests that non-heme iron, unlike heme iron, does not contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases, highlighting its safer profile for heart health.
Non-Heme Iron Enzymes and Their Mechanistic Insights
Non-heme iron enzymes play a crucial role in various biochemical reactions, particularly those involving oxygen. These enzymes are more challenging to study due to the lack of intense spectral features seen in heme enzymes. However, advanced spectroscopic methods have provided significant insights into their reactivity and mechanisms. These studies have revealed distinct strategies in substrate and cofactor interactions, particularly in the activation of oxygen2. This understanding is essential for developing new biochemical applications and therapeutic strategies.
Cellular Non-Heme Iron and Nitric Oxide-Mediated Cell Death
The cellular content of non-heme iron significantly influences the type of cell death induced by nitric oxide (NO). Research indicates that cells with low non-heme iron levels undergo apoptosis when exposed to NO, while those with high non-heme iron levels require higher NO concentrations to induce necrosis. This difference is attributed to the formation of dinitrosyl-iron complexes (DNIC) in iron-loaded cells, which suppress caspase activity and delay cell death3. These findings underscore the importance of non-heme iron in regulating cellular responses to NO.
Non-Heme Iron in Neurological Health
Non-heme iron is vital for the structure and function of biological tissues, including the brain. Imbalances in non-heme iron levels can lead to neurological disorders. Advanced MRI techniques have been developed to quantify non-heme iron in the brain, revealing that its concentration tends to increase with age, particularly in the basal ganglia. This accumulation is associated with age-related neurological changes and potential disorders4. Understanding these patterns is crucial for developing interventions for neurodegenerative diseases.
Absorption and Utilization of Non-Heme Iron
Studies on iron absorption in rats have shown that non-heme iron is absorbed more efficiently than heme iron. The absorption of both forms of iron is inversely related to hepatic hepcidin levels, with non-heme iron absorption being more significantly affected. Additionally, non-heme iron is utilized differently by various tissues, with a higher proportion being directed towards erythroid tissues compared to heme iron5. These insights are important for optimizing dietary iron intake and managing iron-related disorders.
Non-Heme Iron in Fungal Biosynthesis
Non-heme iron enzymes are also crucial in fungal biosynthetic pathways, particularly those involving α-ketoglutarate as a co-substrate. These enzymes catalyze a variety of complex chemical reactions, contributing to the diversity of fungal secondary metabolites. Understanding the unique chemistry of these enzymes can lead to the discovery of new natural products and their potential applications6.
Modeling Non-Heme Iron Proteins
Synthetic modeling of non-heme iron proteins has advanced our understanding of their mechanisms. Recent developments include the preparation of mononuclear Fe(IV)=O complexes, which mimic the reactive intermediates in non-heme iron protein reactions. These models have demonstrated the oxidation of organic substrates and provided insights into the structural and functional aspects of these proteins7. Such models are invaluable for studying the biochemical roles of non-heme iron proteins.
Dietary Non-Heme Iron Intake in Adolescents
A study on iron intake among adolescent females in Poland revealed that non-heme iron intake is higher in younger, overweight, vegetarian individuals, and comprehensive school students. Despite these variations, overall iron intake remains a concern, particularly for those with a history of anemia. This highlights the need for improved nutritional education and awareness of iron sources to prevent iron deficiency anemia8.
Conclusion
Non-heme iron plays diverse and critical roles in human health, from influencing cardiovascular risk and cellular responses to contributing to neurological health and fungal biosynthesis. Understanding its absorption, utilization, and biochemical mechanisms is essential for optimizing dietary intake and developing therapeutic strategies. Continued research in this field will further elucidate the multifaceted functions of non-heme iron and its implications for health and disease.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Dietary intake of heme iron and risk of cardiovascular disease: a dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.
Higher dietary intake of heme iron is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, while no association was found between CVD risk and non-heme iron intake or total iron intake.
Meta-Analysis
Highly CitedNon-heme iron enzymes: Contrasts to heme catalysis
Non-heme iron enzymes show a general mechanistic strategy and differences in substrate and cofactor interactions based on their iron requirement, compared to heme systems.
Highly CitedCellular Non-heme Iron Content Is a Determinant of Nitric Oxide-mediated Apoptosis, Necrosis, and Caspase Inhibition*
Cellular non-heme iron content plays a key role in determining the consequences of nitric oxide on cell viability by regulating the chemical fate of nitric oxide.
In Vitro StudyHighly CitedIn vivo evaluation of heme and non-heme iron content and neuronal density in human basal ganglia
This study presents a novel MRI technique that allows disentangling heme and non-heme iron contributions in human basal ganglia, enabling evaluation of neuronal density and age-related changes in iron concentrations.
In Vitro Study
Very Rigorous JournalDuodenal absorption and tissue utilization of dietary heme and nonheme iron differ in rats.
Elevated hepcidin significantly decreases heme- and nonheme-iron absorption, with a stronger impact on nonheme-iron absorption, and heme may be exported into the circulation in a different form than nonheme iron.
RCT
Animal StudyVery Rigorous JournalUnique chemistry of non-heme iron enzymes in fungal biosynthetic pathways.
Non-heme iron enzymes in fungal secondary metabolism catalyze unique chemistry, demonstrating nature's diverse and complex approach to natural products.
Modeling non-heme iron proteins.
Non-heme iron proteins play a crucial role in oxidation reactions, and synthetic modeling studies have improved our understanding of their mechanisms and catalytic properties.
Analysis of Heme and Non-Heme Iron Intake and Iron Dietary Sources in Adolescent Menstruating Females in a National Polish Sample
Adolescent females in Poland have lower intake of all iron forms compared to males, with non-heme iron intake being higher in younger, overweight, vegetarian, and comprehensive school students.
Observational StudyVery Rigorous JournalHeme versus non-heme iron-nitroxyl {FeN(H)O}⁸ complexes: electronic structure and biologically relevant reactivity.
Recent advances in the preparation, spectroscopic characterization, and reactivity of ferrous heme and non-heme iron-nitroxyl complexes have enhanced our understanding of their potential biological roles.
Highly CitedContributions of heme and nonheme iron to human nutrition.
Heme iron contributes more to human nutrition than nonheme iron, with both forms playing a crucial role in maintaining a healthful iron status.
Literature ReviewHighly Cited