Quiz 2: Iron Flashcards
What part of hemoglobin binds oxygen?
Heme group
Each hemoglobin can bind to how many O2 molecules?
4
Iron deficiency is called?
Anemia
Iron overload is called?
Hemochromatosis
What is the most common cause of anemia in infants, children, and premenopausal women?
Iron deficiency
Iron studies are usually performed after what test?
Abnormal CBC
What two terms are used to describe the typical iron deficient anemia?
Microcytic and hypochromic
Should you rely on serum iron alone?
Nope, iron levels can vary due to time of day
When are iron levels usually higher?
Morning
How does stress impact iron levels?
Decrease iron levels
What medications can alter iron levels?
antibiotics, hormones, hypertension medications, cholesterol medications, deferoxamine
What does deferoxamine do?
Removes excess iron from the body
What conditions are associated with increased iron levels?
Beta-thalassemia, alcoholic cirrhosis, high iron intake, hereditary hemochromatosis
What is the mechanism of iron impact in alcoholic cirrhosis?
Ferritin, the storage form of iron, is stored in liver. When liver is damaged, iron is released to circulation.
What is the mechanism of iron impact in hereditary hemochromatosis?
HFE gene, impaired iron detection and regulation
What are the various CATEGORIES for decreased iron levels?
iron deficiency anemia, renal disease, inadequate absorption, increased loss, increased demand
Examples of inadequate absorption that lead to decreased iron levels?
antacid use, competition with other metals, bowel resection, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease
Examples of increased loss that lead to decreased iron levels?
From GI tract, nose with severe epistaxis, menstruation, cancer, trauma, phlebotomy
Examples of increased demand that lead to decreased iron levels?
Pregnancy
What does ferritin do?
Serves as the storage unit for iron and responds to the increased iron needs of the body by releasing it when needed
What is the shape of ferritin?
A hollow sphere with iron stored inside
The iron inside ferritin is stored as?
Fe (III) and is oxidized to Fe (II) which allows its release through the channels of the sphere when demands occur
When is ferritin produced?
When excess dietary iron is absorbed, the body responds by producing more ferritin to facilitate iron storage. Ferritin molecules store thousands of iron atoms within their mineral core.
Which is more valuable: serum iron or ferritin?
Ferritin, it doesn’t fluctuate as much