Introduction
Ferritin is the major iron storage protein present in most living organisms like animals, plants, bacteria, and algae. The role of ferritin in maintaining iron homeostasis is very important. It also plays an important role in several physiological and pathological processes in our body. Serum ferritin levels can be an important tool for diagnosing iron deficiency and overload. Serum ferritin levels are directly related to the total iron stores present in the body. Ferritin levels are also associated with other conditions like inflammation and malignant diseases.
What Is Ferritin?
Ferritin is an iron-storing intracellular protein. Iron plays an important role in our body. It is a component of hemoglobin (red blood cell protein) that carries oxygen in the body. This protein is produced by most living organisms and stores iron in a non-toxic and soluble form. In most tissues, it is found inside the cytoplasmic matrix (liquid inside the cell). Ferritin is a spherical protein made up of 24 spherical subunits. Ferritin plays an important role in maintaining iron storage and is also a part of normal physiological processes. The main functions of ferritin include:
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Iron Storage - Ferritin can be found in almost all cell types. It plays an important role in storing iron in a non-toxic form. Ferritin can also function in iron transport and its safe deposition in iron-needed areas in the body. Iron in a free state can be toxic to the cells. It catalyzes the formation of reactive oxygen species and free radicals through the Fenton reaction and results in tissue destruction. Thus it is really important to convert free iron into a relatively safe protein and store it as ferritin.
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Immune Response - During infection, there will be a significant increase in the level of ferritin. Endotoxins found in infective organisms reach the body and cause an increase in the formation of ferritin.
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Ferroxidase Activity - Ferritin helps in the conversion of ferrous iron (Fe2+) to ferric iron (Fe3+) and thus prevents the reaction between ferrous iron and hydrogen peroxide (Fenton reaction). Fenton reaction will result in the formation of highly dangerous hydroxyl free radicals.
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Plant Growth and Metabolism - It plays an important role in the normal development of plants. Ferritin, present in the leaves and nodules of plants, is a primary source for the production of plant proteins. It also helps to overcome stressful conditions during plant growth by providing iron and preventing stress-related damage.
What Is Iron Toxicity?
Iron toxicity can occur due to accidental consumption of a large concentration of iron or due to chronic use of high doses of iron supplements. Iron toxicity will result in symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. An excessive amount of iron in the body for a long period of time will result in multiple organ damage and serious complications. Excess iron storage in the body will result in iron overload and multiple organ damage (heart, liver, endocrine glands). It can occur due to iron toxicity or due to some inherited medical conditions like hereditary hemochromatosis. Iron toxicity will result in some serious organ defects.
It includes:
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Liver damage due to iron toxicity will result in cirrhosis, chronic liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Neurological damage will result in neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
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Endocrine damage resulting from iron overload will lead to hypogonadism and hypothyroidism. It will cause infertility, hair loss, fatigue, and decreased libido.
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Cardiovascular system damage can lead to irregular heart rhythms, heart muscle damage, and heart failure.
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Excessive iron storage in the body will cause arthritis due to joint inflammation.
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Increased blood glucose levels (bronze diabetes) will occur due to damage to the pancreas.
What Is the Role of Ferritin in Iron Toxicity?
Serum ferritin levels can be used as an indicator to diagnose iron overload. It can be measured in medical laboratories at a low cost. Ferritin levels will indicate the amount of total iron stored in the body. Sometimes serum ferritin levels may elevate due to other conditions like infection, inflammation, and liver diseases. A serum ferritin value below the normal range will indicate iron deficiency. Normal ferritin blood levels for healthy individuals are given in the table below (in nanograms per milliliter).
The amount of iron present within the plant cells must be calculated before applying micronutrients and iron-containing fertilizers. Iron toxicity in plants will lead to excessive iron accumulation. Iron overload will cause oxidative stress and increase the concentration of oxygen radicals. It will result in bronzing, discoloration, and stippling of leaves.
What Is a Ferritin Blood Test?
A ferritin blood test measures the level of ferritin in the blood. It can be used as a diagnostic test for iron deficiency and overload. The test is usually performed in the morning, and the individuals are not allowed to drink or eat for a few hours (8 to 12 hours) before the test. Higher ferritin levels indicate increased iron storage in the body. It can also occur due to inflammatory conditions, liver diseases, and hyperparathyroidism.
Conclusion
Serum ferritin levels provide an idea about the amount of stored iron in the body. Ferritin plays an important role in preventing iron overload and toxicity by converting toxic-free iron molecules into a more stable form. Serum ferritin blood tests can be used as a reference to rule out iron toxicity in the human body.
