Iron Chelators Dictate Immune Cells Inflammatory Ability: Potential Adjuvant Therapy for IBD
2017
Background: The importance of hemoproteins for life lies largely in their iron-mediated chemical
properties. In the human body, there are about 4 g of iron, a precious resource preserved by sophisticated recycling
mechanisms. Iron is also important for pathogen growth, so it is not surprising that immune cells developed
mechanisms to reduce iron availability in cases of inflammation. In healthy conditions, macrophages degrade
hemoproteins and export iron, while if inflammation develops, they retain cytoplasmic iron to reduce extracellular
iron concentrations. Iron-rich macrophages possess a stronger inflammatory ability, which explains the chronic
inflammatory response observed in states of iron overload. Inflammatory bowel syndromes are often characterized
by intestinal blood loss and consequent anemia, but iron-supplementation therapies may exacerbate the inflammatory
response. In chronically transfused patients iron overload is frequently observed; the iron can become
toxic and in excess, even fatal if not treated with iron-chelating drugs.
Conclusion: In the present review, we discuss the importance of iron homeostasis in states of health and inflammation,
focusing on iron and iron-chelation treatment for IBD patients. Oral administration of natural ironchelating
chemicals may be an effective adjuvant therapy for IBD patients, acting on numerous aspects of chronic
inflammatory syndromes.
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