| Popis: |
Iron is a fundamental trace element, essential to maintain homeostasis in living organisms. Iron overload can result from increased iron absorption in the gastrointestinal system, repeated blood transfusions or liver diseases. The iron turnover is regulated by a group of specialized proteins, responsible for its absorption, transport, oxidation and preventing tissue damage that can be caused by the ferrous ions Fe2+. Diagnosis of iron overload states, as well the course of treatment oversight, is based on continuous monitoring of the iron concentration in the body. The use of numerous laboratory tests is the first stage of diagnostics. This work describes primary mechanisms responsible for the regulation of iron metabolism and the consequences of iron overload. Furthermore, it presents an analysis of the currently applied laboratory parameters and other methods used to evaluate iron overload conditions. |
