Ferritin
(Redirected from Ferritins)
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron and releases it in a controlled fashion. Hence, the body has a way to sequester iron, both for protection against excess iron, which can be harmful, and to make it available when needed. Ferritin is found in most tissues as a cytosolic protein, but small amounts are secreted into the serum where it functions as an iron carrier. Serum ferritin levels are a reflection of the total amount of iron stored in the body, making it a crucial marker in the diagnosis of iron-related disorders.
Structure[edit | edit source]
Ferritin is a hollow, globular protein composed of 24 subunits. These subunits are of two types: light (L) and heavy (H) chains, which vary among different organisms and tissues, affecting the protein's iron uptake and release characteristics. The structure allows for the storage of up to 4500 iron atoms in a ferric form, within its central cavity, making it an efficient iron storage molecule.
Function[edit | edit source]
The primary function of ferritin is to store iron in a soluble, non-toxic form, and to release it in a controlled fashion. The protein plays a critical role in iron homeostasis, ensuring that iron is available for processes such as hemoglobin synthesis, while also preventing damage from iron-induced oxidative stress. Ferritin that is located in the cell cytoplasm stores iron for intracellular use, whereas serum ferritin functions to transport iron to various tissues.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
- Iron Deficiency and Anemia
Low serum ferritin levels are indicative of iron deficiency, which can lead to anemia. This condition is characterized by a reduced number of red blood cells or a decreased amount of hemoglobin in the blood, leading to fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath among other symptoms.
- Iron Overload
Conversely, high levels of ferritin can indicate iron overload, which can be hereditary, as in hemochromatosis, or acquired, through conditions such as chronic hemolytic anemia or excessive dietary iron intake. Iron overload can lead to damage to organs including the liver, heart, and pancreas.
- Inflammation
Ferritin levels can also be elevated in the context of inflammation, infection, or chronic disease, as it is an acute-phase reactant. Thus, elevated ferritin levels must be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical findings and laboratory tests.
Diagnostic Use[edit | edit source]
Measurement of serum ferritin is a common and cost-effective laboratory test used to assess iron stores in the body. It is often used in conjunction with other tests, such as the complete blood count (CBC) and serum iron and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) tests, to diagnose iron deficiency or overload.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for abnormalities in ferritin levels depends on the underlying cause. Iron deficiency may be treated with iron supplements or dietary changes, while iron overload might require phlebotomy (blood removal) or chelation therapy, which involves the use of agents to remove excess iron from the body.
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD