What is iron overload and toxicity, Biology

Assignment Help:

What is Iron Overload and Toxicity?

We have seen that absorption of iron is very effectively regulated. This prevents overload of the tissues with iron from diet/supplements in normal healthy individuals. However, an excessive body burden of iron can be produced by greater-than-normal absorption from the alimentary canal, by parenteral injection or by a combination of both. For instance, people with genetic defects develop iron overload as it occurs in idiopathic haemochromatosis. It is a hereditary disorder of iron metabolism characterized by abnormally high iron absorption owing to a failure of the iron absorption control mechanism at the intestinal level.

High deposits of iron in the liver and the heart can lead to cirrhosis, hepatocellular cancer, congestive heart failure and eventual death. African or Bantu siderosis, chronic liver disease, pancreatic insufficiency, shunt haemochromatosis and certain types of refractory anaemia have been found to be associated with iron overload. It has recently been shown that excess iron intake via overuse of iron supplements could pose a possible health risk. Cellular and tissue injury due to free radical reactions appears to be the possible mechanism. Normally iron is bound tightly to the proteins. However, it is possible that excess iron intake permits some iron to be in a free form. Associated complications may include increased risk for bacterial infection, neoplasia, arthopathy, cardiomyopathy and endocrine dysfunction.


Related Discussions:- What is iron overload and toxicity

Week 5 Review Sheet I, How does true motility differ from brownian movement...

How does true motility differ from brownian movement? What morphological structre is responsible for bacteria motility? Why is the wet preparation discarded in disinfectant s

Dehydration reaction between both molecules, Draw decanol, plamitic acid (C...

Draw decanol, plamitic acid (C16:0 fatty acid) and the resulting wax ester generated by a dehydration reaction between both molecules

Radial artery-long term patency, Radial Artery (RA) :  Patency of...

Radial Artery (RA) :  Patency of RA is less than that of Ih4.A but much superior to a venous graft. One of the studies showed 90 per cent patency at 13 months and 83

What is the meaning of body composition, What is the meaning of Body compos...

What is the meaning of Body composition? It refers primarily to the distribution of muscle, fat, bone and other tissues in the body, and its measurement is often considered as

Define larval stage of taenia cystcercus, Define Larval Stage of Taenia Cys...

Define Larval Stage of Taenia Cystcercus? The pork tapeworn (T: solium) and beef tapeworn (T : saginata , which are endoparasites of humans who are the final hosts

Why the recipient important in transfusions, Why is the determination of th...

Why is the determination of the blood types of the donor and of the recipient important in transfusions? Red blood cells have dissimilar antigens in the outer surface of their

Define metabolic effects of thyroid hormones, Define Metabolic Effects of T...

Define Metabolic Effects of Thyroid Hormones? Although (T 4 ) is quantitatively predominant, (T 3 ) is the more active form. The mechanism of action of thyroid hormones appears

Bitter taste, Q. Bitter Taste? Bitterness is an inherent property of a ...

Q. Bitter Taste? Bitterness is an inherent property of a substance. It is due to substances such as alkaloids present in food. For example, tannins present in tea, coffee, frui

Proteins, what is proteins?properties of protein

what is proteins?properties of protein

Explain the blood plasma levels of calcium, Which of the following serves a...

Which of the following serves as a controlled variable in a negative feedback system? A. Levels of hydrogen ions in the interstitial spaces of the brainstem. B. Blood plasma

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd