| [ Summary ] |
Iron homeostasis in vertebrates requires coordination between erythrocytes which consume plasma iron and macrophages that supply iron into plasma. The main site of iron absorption is the small intestines and some iron is sequestered in the hepatocytes. However, most iron is recycled from hemoglobin-iron to plasma-iron via macrophage-phagocytosis in senescent erythrocytes. Iron is an essential element. Iron-containing proteins exert a variety of biological functions, including oxygen transport, cellular respiration with ATP production and enzymatic intermediaries. Since the properties of iron are inherently toxic and insolubil in aqueous solutions. As a result, iron concentration and distribution must be closely controlled. Such regulations are mediated by iron–sensing systems, including transferrin receptor 2, hepcidin and ferroportin, and iron-sensitive signaling pathways in cells, including the IRE/IRP system. This review provides a molecular perspective on iron metabolism for clinicians. |