[Reduced glutathione and porphobilinogen synthase activity in the erythrocytes of anemic patients with low serum iron].

Patients with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) were examined as well as patients with active lymphoma with low serum iron (SI) and anemia prior to treatment. Increased content of reduced glutathione (GSH) was found in the patients with IDA as well as enhanced activity of PBG-S in erythocytes, in parallel with the decreased SI and saturation rate of transferrins (SRT) and enhanced total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) in serum. In lymphoma patients a normal GSH content is found as well as normal PBG-S activity in erythocytes, low content of iron, SRT level and decreased TIBC in serum. The connection of SH groups with the level of serum iron is discussed.