The (Bio)Chemistry of Non-Transferrin-Bound Iron

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2022

Authors

Silva, AMN (Author) Other; Maria Rangel (Author) ICBAS

Journal

Title: Molecules

Vol. 449

Final page: 1784

ISSN: 1420-3049

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 16 Citations

Scopus - 17 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00W-9A3

DOI: 10.3390/molecules27061784

Abstract (EN): In healthy individuals, virtually all blood plasma iron is bound by transferrin. However, in several diseases and clinical conditions, hazardous non-transferrin-bound iron (NTBI) species occur. NTBI represents a potentially toxic iron form, being a direct cause of oxidative stress in the circulating compartment and tissue iron loading. The accumulation of these species can cause cellular damage in several organs, namely, the liver, spleen, and heart. Despite its pathophysiological relevance, the chemical nature of NTBI remains elusive. This has precluded its use as a clinical biochemical marker and the development of targeted therapies. Herein, we make a critical assessment of the current knowledge of NTBI speciation. The currently accepted hypotheses suggest that NTBI is mostly iron bound to citric acid and iron bound to serum albumin, but the chemistry of this system remains fuzzy. We explore the complex chemistry of iron complexation by citric acid and its implications towards NTBI reactivity. Further, the ability of albumin to bind iron is revised and the role of protein post-translational modifications on iron binding is discussed. The characterization of the NTBI species structure may be the starting point for the development of a standardized analytical assay, the better understanding of these species' reactivity or the identification of NTBI uptake mechanisms by different cell types, and finally, to the development of new therapies.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 14