J Clin Invest. 2021 Jun 1;131(11). doi: 10.1172/JCI148671.
Iron plays an important role in mammalian physiological processes. It is a critical component for the function of many proteins, including enzymes that require heme and iron-sulfur clusters. However, excess iron is also detrimental because of its ability to catalyze the formation of reactive oxygen species. As a result, cellular and systemic iron levels are tightly regulated to prevent oxidative damage. Iron deficiency can lead to a number of pathological conditions, the most prominent being anemia. Iron deficiency should be corrected to improve adult patients' symptoms and to facilitate normal growth during fetal development and childhood. However, inappropriate use of intravenous iron in chronic conditions, such as cancer and heart failure, in the absence of clear iron deficiency can lead to unwanted side effects. Thus, this form of therapy should be reserved for certain patients who cannot tolerate oral iron and need rapid iron replenishment. Here, we will review cellular and systemic iron homeostasis and will discuss complications of iron deficiency.
铁在哺乳动物生理过程中起着重要作用。它是许多蛋白质功能的关键组成部分，包括需要血红素和铁硫簇的酶。然而，过量的铁也有危害，因为它能够催化活性氧的形成。因此，细胞和全身的铁水平受到严格调节，以防止氧化损伤。铁缺乏可导致多种病理状况，最突出的是贫血。为了改善成年患者的症状并促进胎儿发育和儿童期的正常生长，应纠正铁缺乏。然而，在没有明确铁缺乏的情况下，在癌症和心力衰竭等慢性疾病中不恰当地使用静脉铁会导致不必要的副作用。因此，这种治疗形式应保留给那些不能耐受口服铁且需要快速补铁的特定患者。在这里，我们将回顾细胞和全身铁稳态，并讨论铁缺乏的并发症。
