Iron homeostasis and the inflammatory response

Abstract

Iron and its homeostasis are intimately tied to the lammatory response. The adaptation to iron deficiency, which confers resistance to ection and improves the lammatory condition, underlies what is probably the most obvious link: the anemia of lammation or chronic disease. A large number of stimulatory inputs must be integrated to tightly control iron homeostasis during the lammatory response. In order to understand the pathways of iron trafficking and how they are regulated, this article presents a brief overview of iron homeostasis. A major focus is on the regulation of the peptide hormone hepcidin during the lammatory response and how its function contributes to the process of iron withdrawal. The review also summarizes new and emerging ormation about other iron metabolic regulators and effectors that contribute to the lammatory response. Potential benefits of treatment to ameliorate the hypoferremic condition promoted by lammation are also considered. Copyright © 2010 by Annual Reviews. All rights reserved.