Kang J O
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA.
Clin Lab Sci. 2001 Summer;14(3):209-19; quiz 222.
The content of body iron is regulated primarily by absorption since humans have no physiological mechanism by which excess iron is excreted. This regulation, however, is not absolute. Many factors such as the content of diets, iron doses, life styles, etc. influence iron absorption. In the past, nutrition programs for iron fortification and the ingestion of iron preparations have been widely practiced because of the seriousness of worldwide iron deficiency. Also, we now know that a significant number of asymptomatic people carry the hemochromatosis gene, HFE, indicating that these people have the potential to accumulate excess body iron in their lifetime. Excess body iron can be highly toxic. This toxicity involves many organs leading to a variety of serious diseases such as liver disease, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, hormonal abnormalities, dysfunctional immune system, etc. The tissue damage associated with iron overload is believed to result primarily from free radical reactions mediated by iron. Iron is an effective catalyst in free radical reactions. The diseases associated with iron overload can be managed effectively or prevented. Therefore, early diagnosis of iron overload and appropriate therapy are critical. By providing the necessary laboratory data, clinical chemistry laboratories can play the pivotal role in the management of these health problems.
人体铁含量主要通过铁吸收来调节，因为人类没有排出过量铁的生理机制。然而，这种调节并非绝对的。许多因素，如饮食中的铁含量、铁剂量、生活方式等，都会影响铁的吸收。过去，由于全球缺铁问题的严重性，铁强化营养计划和铁制剂的摄入已被广泛应用。此外，我们现在知道，大量无症状的人携带血色素沉着病基因HFE，这表明这些人在一生中有可能积累过量的体内铁。体内铁过量可能具有高毒性。这种毒性涉及许多器官，会导致多种严重疾病，如肝病、心脏病、糖尿病、激素异常、免疫系统功能失调等。与铁过载相关的组织损伤被认为主要是由铁介导的自由基反应引起的。铁是自由基反应的有效催化剂。与铁过载相关的疾病可以得到有效控制或预防。因此，铁过载的早期诊断和适当治疗至关重要。通过提供必要的实验室数据，临床化学实验室可以在这些健康问题的管理中发挥关键作用。
