Proteínas relacionadas con el metabolismo del hierro

Abstract

Iron is an essential element to all forms of living organisms. Recently, many new proteins connected with iron metabolism, as well as new functions of already known proteins, have been identified. These facts allow us to reach a greater knowledge of the physiology and physiopathology of iron. Assessment of iron status requires the combined use of several laboratory tests; it becomes necessary to have a deep knowledge about them provided the high prevalence of related diseases. The aim of the present study is to make a review on proteins related to iron metabolism: it includes the prevalence of iron deficiency and overload, the structure and function of these proteins, the mechanisms of regulation, and iron metabolism; the physiology and physiopathology of iron deficiency and overload, and the clinical applications of these tests. At last, the assay techniques of each laboratory test and the reference materials are concisely reviewed.