Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.2
3.9
Journals
Biomedicines
Special Issues
Advances in Iron Deficiency and Iron-Related Disorders
share announcement

Advances in Iron Deficiency and Iron-Related Disorders

A special issue of Biomedicines (ISSN 2227-9059). This special issue belongs to the section "Endocrinology and Metabolism Research".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2024) | Viewed by 11523

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Alireza Morovat

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
Interests: biomarkers; mitochondrial diseases; dementia; iron pathophysiology; liver allograft function

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Iron status influences a vast array of cellular processes.  Iron imbalance or dysregulation can have adverse, clinically-significant  effects on gene regulation, enzyme activities, mitochondrial function, stress response and even cell viability.  Absolute or functional iron deficiency can lead to morbidity, impairs neurobehavioural development in early life, predisposes to immune dysfunction, and is associated with adverse outcomes in patients with cancer, heart failure or those undergoing surgery.  At the other end of the spectrum, iron has been associated with inflammatory processes, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and ferroptosis.  Some of these and related cellular events have implications for neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, pulmonary, hepatic and other disorders.  The expanding knowledge of the involvement of iron in cellular function has encouraged exciting avenues of research that are increasing our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of some common diseases, and may pave the way for interventions that would alleviate those conditions or improve clinical outcomes.

It gives me great pleasure to invite researchers who are studying cellular processes and mechanisms of disease in which iron plays a significant role to submit their original research or review papers for this special issue of Biomedicines.  The aim of this special issue is to offer emerging knowledge or overviews of the pathophysiological mechanisms through which iron imbalance may bring about clinical effects.  Research involving clinical studies or the use of human cells are especially, but not exclusively, welcome.

Dr. Alireza Morovat
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biomedicines is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • iron deficiency
  • iron overload
  • pathophysiology
  • inflammation
  • organ disorders
  • cancer
  • neurodegenerative disease
  • immune function
  • therapy

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (8 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

16 pages, 2063 KiB  
Article
Postoperative Intravenous Iron Infusion in Anemic Colorectal Cancer Patients: An Observational Study
by Leonidas Chardalias, Androniki-Maria Skreka, Nikolaos Memos, Alexandra-Stavroula Nieri, Dimitrios Politis, Marianna Politou, Theodosios Theodosopoulos and Ioannis Papaconstantinou
Biomedicines 2024, 12(9), 2094; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12092094 - 13 Sep 2024
Viewed by 281
Abstract
Anemia is the most common extraintestinal symptom of colorectal cancer, with a prevalence of 30–75%. While the preoperative anemia in this patient population has been well studied and its correction 4–6 weeks prior to surgery is recommended when feasible, there is a paucity [...] Read more.
Anemia is the most common extraintestinal symptom of colorectal cancer, with a prevalence of 30–75%. While the preoperative anemia in this patient population has been well studied and its correction 4–6 weeks prior to surgery is recommended when feasible, there is a paucity of data regarding the management of postoperative anemia, which has a prevalence of up to 87% in these patients. To address this issue, we conducted an observational cohort study of surgically treated postoperative anemic patients with colorectal cancer. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose on the correction of postoperative anemia by postoperative day 30 (POD30). The primary outcome was the change in hemoglobin on POD30, while the secondary outcomes were the change in iron and other laboratory parameters, postoperative complications and transfusions. The results demonstrated that patients treated with intravenous iron exhibited a significant increase in hemoglobin levels by POD30, along with a concomitant increase in hematocrit, ferritin, and transferrin saturation levels, compared to the control group. The findings imply that patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery with anemia that was not corrected in the preoperative setting may benefit from early postoperative intravenous iron infusion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Iron Deficiency and Iron-Related Disorders)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1180 KiB  
Article
Iron Trace Elements Concentration in PM10 and Alzheimer’s Disease in Lima, Peru: Ecological Study
by Diego Fano-Sizgorich, Cinthya Vásquez-Velásquez, Carol Ordoñez-Aquino, Odón Sánchez-Ccoyllo, Vilma Tapia and Gustavo F. Gonzales
Biomedicines 2024, 12(9), 2043; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12092043 - 8 Sep 2024
Viewed by 535
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been linked to air pollution, especially particulate matter (PM). PM comprises various elements, including iron-rich particles that may reach the brain through inhalation. Lima, Peru is one of the most polluted cities in Latin America, with a high rate [...] Read more.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been linked to air pollution, especially particulate matter (PM). PM comprises various elements, including iron-rich particles that may reach the brain through inhalation. Lima, Peru is one of the most polluted cities in Latin America, with a high rate of AD. The study aims to evaluate the association between iron (Fe) trace elements in PM10 and AD cases in Lima, Peru. This retrospective ecological study used monthly Fe concentration data from the Peruvian Ministry of Health. AD cases (ICD-10-G30) and dementia in AD cases (DAD, ICD-10-F00) were obtained from the Peruvian CDC. Fe trace element data were available for six districts in Lima for the years 2017–2019 and 2022. Cases were standardized based on ≥60-year-old populations of each district. Hierarchical mixed-effects models of Gaussian and negative binomial families were constructed to evaluate both outcomes jointly (AD + DAD) and separately (AD, and DAD). A sensitivity analysis was conducted by excluding data from Lima’s downtown district. In the complete model, log-Fe concentration was associated with a higher rate of AD + DAD and DAD, and with a higher IRR for the three outcomes. After controlling for other metals, a higher DAD rate was observed (β-coeff = 6.76, 95%CI 0.07; 13.46, p = 0.048), and a higher IRR for AD + DAD (1.55, 95%CI 1.09; 2.20, p = 0.014) and DAD (1.83, 95%CI 1.21; 2.78, p = 0.004). The association was not significant in the sensitivity analysis. In conclusion, exposure to Fe through PM10 inhalation may be associated with the presence of AD in Lima. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Iron Deficiency and Iron-Related Disorders)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1198 KiB  
Article
Associations between Serum Iron Indices and Self-Assessed Multiple Intelligence Scores among Adolescents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
by Hibah A. Farhan, Fatimah A. A. Al-Ghannam, Kaiser Wani, Malak N. K. Khattak, Abdullah M. Alnaami, Mona G. Alharbi, Abir A. Alamro, Shaun Sabico and Nasser M. Al-Daghri
Biomedicines 2024, 12(7), 1578; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12071578 - 16 Jul 2024
Viewed by 608
Abstract
Micronutrient deficiencies, including iron deficiency, are linked to different cognitive impairments and sensory functions. However, whether circulating iron levels affect self-assessed multiple intelligence (MI) scores in adolescents remains uninvestigated. This study aimed to investigate associations between serum iron levels and self-assessed MI scores [...] Read more.
Micronutrient deficiencies, including iron deficiency, are linked to different cognitive impairments and sensory functions. However, whether circulating iron levels affect self-assessed multiple intelligence (MI) scores in adolescents remains uninvestigated. This study aimed to investigate associations between serum iron levels and self-assessed MI scores in adolescents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Recruiting 434 Saudi adolescents (174 boys and 260 girls, aged 12–17), we administered the McKenzie questionnaire to assess MI across nine categories. Anthropometrics and fasting blood samples were collected to measure circulating iron and transferrin levels. Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and transferrin saturation (TSAT) levels were calculated. Notably, girls exhibited significantly higher MI scores in the interactive domain than boys (age and BMI-adjusted OR = 1.36, 95% confidence interval = 1.07–1.73, p = 0.01). No significant correlations were observed between serum iron and MI. However, normal TSAT levels (TSAT > 20%) corresponded with higher age and BMI-adjusted odds of MI scores in the musical (OR = 1.59, 95%CI = 1.1–2.2, p = 0.006), linguistic (1.57, 1.1–2.3, p = 0.016), kinesthetic (1.48, 1.1–2.1, p = 0.024), spatial (1.45, 1.1–2.1, p = 0.03), and existential (1.56, 1.1–2.1, p = 0.01) categories compared to ones with lower TSAT levels (TSAT ≤ 20%), only in boys. In conclusion, serum iron levels may not directly influence MI domains in adolescents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; however, lower TSAT levels, indicative of iron-deficiency anemia, may influence MI, only in boys, indicating a possible relationship between iron metabolism and cognitive functions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Iron Deficiency and Iron-Related Disorders)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 449 KiB  
Article
Prevalence and Characteristics of Metabolic Hyperferritinemia in a Population-Based Central-European Cohort
by Sophie Gensluckner, Bernhard Wernly, Florian Koutny, Georg Strebinger, Stephan Zandanell, Lars Stechemesser, Bernhard Paulweber, Bernhard Iglseder, Eugen Trinka, Vanessa Frey, Patrick Langthaler, Georg Semmler, Luca Valenti, Elena Corradini, Christian Datz and Elmar Aigner
Biomedicines 2024, 12(1), 207; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12010207 - 17 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1257
Abstract
Background: Hyperferritinemia (HF) is a common finding and can be considered as metabolic HF (MHF) in combination with metabolic diseases. The definition of MHF was heterogenous until a consensus statement was published recently. Our aim was to apply the definition of MHF to [...] Read more.
Background: Hyperferritinemia (HF) is a common finding and can be considered as metabolic HF (MHF) in combination with metabolic diseases. The definition of MHF was heterogenous until a consensus statement was published recently. Our aim was to apply the definition of MHF to provide data on the prevalence and characteristics of MHF in a Central-European cohort. Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of the Paracelsus 10,000 study, a population-based cohort study from the region of Salzburg, Austria. We included 8408 participants, aged 40–77. Participants with HF were divided into three categories according to their level of HF and evaluated for metabolic co-morbidities defined by the proposed criteria for MHF. Results: HF was present in 13% (n = 1111) with a clear male preponderance (n = 771, 69% of HF). Within the HF group, 81% (n = 901) of subjects fulfilled the metabolic criteria and were defined as MHF, of which 75% (n = 674) were characterized by a major criterion. In the remaining HF cohort, 52% (n = 227 of 437) of subjects were classified as MHF after application of the minor criteria. Conclusion: HF is a common finding in the general middle-aged population and the majority of cases are classified as MHF. The new classification provides useful criteria for defining MHF. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Iron Deficiency and Iron-Related Disorders)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 1276 KiB  
Article
Factors Governing the Erythropoietic Response to Intravenous Iron Infusion in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study
by Chukwuma A. Chukwu, Helen Gilbody, Olivia Wickens, Craig Carroll, Sunil Bhandari and Philip A. Kalra
Biomedicines 2023, 11(9), 2417; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11092417 - 29 Aug 2023
Viewed by 1276
Abstract
Background: Limited knowledge exists about factors affecting parenteral iron response. A study was conducted to determine the factors influencing the erythropoietic response to parenteral iron in iron-deficient anaemic patients whose kidney function ranged from normal through all stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) [...] Read more.
Background: Limited knowledge exists about factors affecting parenteral iron response. A study was conducted to determine the factors influencing the erythropoietic response to parenteral iron in iron-deficient anaemic patients whose kidney function ranged from normal through all stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) severity. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included parenteral iron recipients who did not receive erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) between 2017 and 2019. The study cohort was derived from two groups of patients: those managed by the CKD team and patients being optimised for surgery in the pre-operative clinic. Patients were categorized based on their kidney function: Patients with normal kidney function [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2] were compared to those with CKD stages 3–5 (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2). Patients were further stratified by the type of iron deficiency [absolute iron deficiency (AID) versus functional iron deficiency (FID)]. The key outcome was change in hemoglobin (∆Hb) between pre- and post-infusion haemoglobin (Hb) values. Parenteral iron response was assessed using propensity-score matching and multivariate linear regression. The impact of kidney impairment versus the nature of iron deficiency (AID vs. FID) in response was explored. Results: 732 subjects (mean age 66 ± 17 years, 56% females and 87% White) were evaluated. No significant differences were observed in the time to repeat Hb among CKD stages and FID/AID patients. The Hb rise was significantly lower with lower kidney function (non-CKD and CKD1–2; 13 g/L, CKD3–5; 7 g/L; p < 0.001). When groups with different degrees of renal impairment were propensity-score matched according to whether iron deficiency was due to AID or FID, the level of CKD was found not to be relevant to Hb responses [unmatched (∆Hb) 12.1 vs. 8.7 g/L; matched (∆Hb) 12.4 vs. 12.1 g/L in non-CKD and CKD1–2 versus CKD3–5, respectively]. However, a comparison of patients with AID and FID, while controlling for the degree of CKD, indicated that patients with FID exhibited a diminished Hb response regardless of their level of kidney impairment. Conclusion: The nature of iron deficiency rather than the severity of CKD has a stronger impact on Hb response to intravenous iron with an attenuated response seen in functional iron deficiency irrespective of the degree of renal impairment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Iron Deficiency and Iron-Related Disorders)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 5731 KiB  
Article
High Hepcidin Levels Promote Abnormal Iron Metabolism and Ferroptosis in Chronic Atrophic Gastritis
by Yashuo Zhao, Jianing Zhao, Hongyu Ma, Yan Han, Weichao Xu, Jie Wang, Yanru Cai, Xuemei Jia, Qingzhong Jia and Qian Yang
Biomedicines 2023, 11(9), 2338; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11092338 - 22 Aug 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1938
Abstract
Background: Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is a chronic inflammatory disease and premalignant lesion of gastric cancer. As an antimicrobial peptide, hepcidin can maintain iron metabolic balance and is susceptible to inflammation. Objectives: The objective of this study was to clarify whether hepcidin is [...] Read more.
Background: Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is a chronic inflammatory disease and premalignant lesion of gastric cancer. As an antimicrobial peptide, hepcidin can maintain iron metabolic balance and is susceptible to inflammation. Objectives: The objective of this study was to clarify whether hepcidin is involved in abnormal iron metabolism and ferroptosis during CAG pathogenesis. Methods: Non-atrophic gastritis (NAG) and chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) patient pathology slides were collected, and related protein expression was detected by immunohistochemical staining. The CAG rat model was established using MNNG combined with an irregular diet. Results: CAG patients and rats exhibited iron deposition in gastric tissue. CAG-induced ferroptosis in the stomach was characterized by decreased GPX4 and FTH levels and increased 4-HNE levels. Hepcidin, which is mainly located in parietal cells, was elevated in CAG gastric tissue. The high gastric level of hepcidin inhibited iron absorption in the duodenum by decreasing the protein expression of DMT1 and FPN1. In addition, the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway induced hepcidin production in gastric tissue. Conclusion: Our results showed that the high level of gastric hepcidin induced ferroptosis in the stomach but also inhibited iron absorption in the intestines. Inhibiting hepcidin might be a new strategy for the prevention of CAG in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Iron Deficiency and Iron-Related Disorders)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

17 pages, 708 KiB  
Review
The Iron Metabolism with a Specific Focus on the Functioning of the Nervous System
by Monika Kulaszyńska, Sebastian Kwiatkowski and Karolina Skonieczna-Żydecka
Biomedicines 2024, 12(3), 595; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12030595 - 6 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1995
Abstract
Iron is the micronutrient with the best-studied biological functions. It is widely distributed in nature, and its involvement in the main metabolic pathways determines the great importance of this metal for all organisms. Iron is required for cellular respiration and various biochemical processes [...] Read more.
Iron is the micronutrient with the best-studied biological functions. It is widely distributed in nature, and its involvement in the main metabolic pathways determines the great importance of this metal for all organisms. Iron is required for cellular respiration and various biochemical processes that ensure the proper functioning of cells and organs in the human body, including the brain. Iron also plays an important role in the production of free radicals, which can be beneficial or harmful to cells under various conditions. Reviews of iron metabolism and its regulation can be found in the literature, and further advances in understanding the molecular basis of iron metabolism are being made every year. The aim of this review is to systematise the available data on the role of iron in the function of the nervous system, especially in the brain. The review summarises recent views on iron metabolism and its regulatory mechanisms in humans, including the essential action of hepcidin. Special attention is given to the mechanisms of iron absorption in the small intestine and the purpose of this small but critically important pool of iron in the brain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Iron Deficiency and Iron-Related Disorders)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 265 KiB  
Review
Is It Time to Alter the Standard of Care for Iron Deficiency/Iron Deficiency Anemia in Reproductive-Age Women?
by Mrutyunjaya B. Bellad, Anmol Patted and Richard J. Derman
Biomedicines 2024, 12(2), 278; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12020278 - 25 Jan 2024
Viewed by 2214
Abstract
Two billion people worldwide suffer from anemia, with reproductive-age women being disproportionately affected. Iron plays a crucial role in cellular function and impacts cognition, physical function, and quality of life. Iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are associated with adverse effects [...] Read more.
Two billion people worldwide suffer from anemia, with reproductive-age women being disproportionately affected. Iron plays a crucial role in cellular function and impacts cognition, physical function, and quality of life. Iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are associated with adverse effects on pregnancy and fetal development. Oral iron supplementation has been the standard treatment for decades, often producing sub-optimal outcomes. Many babies are still being born with ID and suffer adverse sequelae due to inadequate iron levels in the mothers. Is it time to consider a broad scale-up of parenteral iron as a new standard of care? Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Iron Deficiency and Iron-Related Disorders)
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-8
Back to TopTop