Unit_4-Lecture_1-Iron_Metabolism_and_hyp_anemias.

Iron Metabolism

The process by which iron is absorbed, transported, stored, and utilized in the body.

Hematopoiesis

The formation and development of blood cells.

Microcytic Anemia

Anemia characterized by smaller than normal red blood cells.

Hypochromic Anemia

Anemia where red blood cells have less color than normal due to low hemoglobin.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.

Transferrin

A glycoprotein that binds and transports iron in the blood.

Ferritin

A protein that stores iron and releases it in a controlled fashion.

Hemosiderin

An insoluble form of iron storage derived from breakdown of ferritin.

TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity)

A blood test that measures the blood's capacity to bind iron with transferrin.

Hepcidin

A peptide hormone that regulates iron homeostasis by inhibiting iron absorption.

Hemojuvelin

A protein involved in the regulation of iron levels in the body.

Hemochromatosis Gene

A gene associated with hereditary hemochromatosis, affecting iron metabolism.

Stage I Iron Deficiency

Iron depletion phase with normal hemoglobin and low ferritin levels.

Stage II Iron Deficiency

Iron deficient erythropoiesis, where iron is insufficient for hemoglobin synthesis.

Stage III Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA)

Severe deficiency characterized by microcytic anemia and low hemoglobin levels.

Iron Absorption

The process through which iron is taken up from the diet into the bloodstream.

Non-heme Iron

Iron found in plant sources, typically in the ferric (Fe3+) form.

Heme Iron

Iron found in animal sources, typically in the ferrous (Fe2+) form.

Myoglobin

An iron-containing protein in muscles that binds oxygen.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

A hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates red blood cell production.

Transferrin Saturation

The percentage of transferrin that is saturated with iron.

Zinc Protoporphyrin (ZPP)

A complex of zinc and protoporphyrin that indicates iron deficiency.

Apoferritin

Ferritin without iron, serving as a precursor for iron storage.

Sideroblasts

Erythroblasts with iron-loaded mitochondria, visible in blood or bone marrow.

Ineffective Erythropoiesis

Defective red blood cell production, often seen in various types of anemia.

Ringed Sideroblasts

Erythroblasts characterized by iron-laden mitochondria surrounding the nucleus.

Pappenheimer Bodies

Small aggregates of iron visible in red blood cells indicating iron overload.

Anemia of Chronic Disease (ACD)

Anemia linked with chronic conditions that affect iron metabolism.

Oral Iron Therapy

Administration of iron supplements by mouth to treat iron deficiency.

DMT1 (Divalent Metal Transporter 1)

A transporter responsible for the uptake of ferrous iron in intestinal cells.

Ferroportin

A protein that exports iron from enterocytes or macrophages to the bloodstream.

UIBC (Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity)

The amount of iron that transferrin could still bind when iron is limited.

Dietary Iron Sources

Foods high in iron, including organ meats, legumes, and green leafy vegetables.

Iron Deficiency Etiology

Causes of iron deficiency including poor diet, blood loss, and malabsorption.

Microcytic vs Macrocytic Anemia

Microcytic is small RBCs (often in IDA), while macrocytic is large RBCs (often in B12 deficiency).

Erythrocytic Protoporphyrin Levels

Measures the amount of protoporphyrin not incorporated into hemoglobin, indicating iron status.

Iron Overload Diagnosis

Determining excess iron in the body often through serum ferritin and transferrin saturation.

Phlebotomy

A therapeutic procedure to remove blood, used in treating iron overload.

Anemia Treatment Essentials

Addressing the underlying causes of anemia and replenishing iron stores.

Chronic Inflammatory Disorders

Long-term health conditions that can lead to anemia due to disrupted iron metabolism.

Factors Affecting Iron Absorption

Dietary components, existing iron stores, and the functional state of the gut.

Hemosiderosis

A condition of excess iron deposition in the tissues, often secondary to other diseases.

Erythrocyte Destruction

The breakdown of red blood cells, releasing iron for reuse in the body.

Tachycardia in Anemia

Increased heart rate often a compensatory response to low oxygen levels in anemia.

Koilonychia

A physical sign of iron deficiency where nails become concave or spoon-shaped.

Glossitis

Inflammation of the tongue, often seen in patients with iron deficiency.

Clinical Indicators of IDA

Symptoms such as fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath associated with iron deficiency.

Effects of Chronic Renal Disease on Iron

Kidney dysfunction can lead to reduced erythropoietin and impaired iron metabolism.

Serum Ferritin as a Diagnostic Marker

Utilized to assess body iron stores and diagnose iron deficiency or overload.

Lead Poisoning and Sideroblastic Anemia

Exposure to lead can hinder heme synthesis, resulting in sideroblastic anemia.

Anemia in Cancer Patients

Often due to chronic disease effects or treatments that impact iron metabolism.

Bone Marrow Analysis in Anemia

Examining marrow for cellular features can aid in classifying types of anemia.