Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Iron overload (also known as haemochromatosis or hemochromatosis) is the abnormal and increased accumulation of total iron in the body, leading to organ damage. [1] The primary mechanism of organ damage is oxidative stress, as elevated intracellular iron levels increase free radical formation via the Fenton reaction.
Transferrin saturation (TS), measured as a percentage, is a medical laboratory value. It is the value of serum iron divided by the total iron-binding capacity [1] of the available transferrin, the main protein that binds iron in the blood, this value tells a clinician how much serum iron is bound. For instance, a value of 15% means that 15% of ...
The accumulation of iron in tissues due to impaired iron export can lead to increasing transferrin iron saturation and liver parenchymal iron overload in advanced stages of the disease. [3] More ferritin is produced to suppress oxidative cell damage, although the amount of ferritin that cells can accumulate is limited.
When transferrin is high, HFE works to increase the intestinal release of iron into the blood. When HFE is mutated, the intestines perpetually interpret a strong transferrin signal as if the body were deficient in iron. This leads to maximal iron absorption from ingested foods and iron overload in the tissues.
[1] [4] In cases where high doses of elemental iron have been ingested and the patient is exhibiting signs and symptoms of severe systemic iron poisoning, supportive care measures like volume resuscitation and deferoxamine should be initiated immediately. [4] A quick response to iron poisoning can significantly improve clinical outcomes.
Percent transferrin saturation; Iron deficiency anemia: Low High. The liver produces more transferrin, presumably attempting to maximize use of the little iron that is available. Low, as there is insufficient iron. Anemia of chronic disease: Low, as the body holds iron intracellularly with ferritin. Low.
If ferritin is high, there is iron in excess or else there is an acute inflammatory reaction in which ferritin is mobilized without iron excess. For example, ferritins may be high in infection without signaling body iron overload. Ferritin is also used as a marker for iron overload disorders, such as hemochromatosis or hemosiderosis.
Anemia of chronic disease (ACD) [1] [2] or anemia of chronic inflammation [3] is a form of anemia seen in chronic infection, chronic immune activation, and malignancy.These conditions all produce elevation of interleukin-6, which stimulates hepcidin production and release from the liver.