IRON OVERLOAD Flashcards
What is iron overload? A condition where excess iron accumulates in the body
potentially damaging organs such as the liver
What are the main causes of iron overload? Genetic mutations (hereditary hemochromatosis)
frequent blood transfusions
How is iron homeostasis regulated? Primarily through absorption in the duodenum; the body cannot excrete excess iron efficiently.
What is the role of hepcidin in iron regulation? Hepcidin
a peptide hormone produced by the liver
What are the two forms of dietary iron? Heme iron (from animal sources
absorbed efficiently) and non-heme iron (from plant sources
What enhances non-heme iron absorption? Vitamin C.
Where is iron stored in the body? Iron is stored as ferritin and hemosiderin in the liver
spleen
What is hereditary hemochromatosis (HHC)? A genetic condition characterized by increased absorption of dietary iron
most commonly due to HFE gene mutations (e.g.
What are the types of hereditary hemochromatosis? Type 1 (classic HFE-related)
Type 2 (juvenile)
What are causes of secondary iron overload? Chronic transfusions (e.g.
in thalassemia)
What is the pathophysiology of iron overload? Excess iron that cannot be stored safely generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) via the Fenton reaction
causing oxidative damage.
What organs are primarily affected by iron overload? Liver
heart
What are complications of iron deposition in the liver? Hepatic fibrosis
cirrhosis
What are cardiac complications of iron overload? Restrictive or dilated cardiomyopathy
arrhythmias
What is “bronze diabetes”? Diabetes mellitus caused by pancreatic beta-cell destruction due to iron deposition
often accompanied by skin hyperpigmentation.
