Abstract
Iron is required for many vital functions including oxygen transport and energy metabolism. Protective mechanisms maintain optimal iron concentration involving dynamic regulation of the transporters and iron storage proteins. In addition to these systemic regulatory mechanisms, the unique lung environment must provide detoxification from metal-induced oxidative stress and pathogenic infections. This review focuses on the unique role of iron metabolism in lung injury and inflammation.
Highlights
Iron is required for many vital functions including oxygen transport and energy metabolism
About 3⁄4 of total body iron is present in heme associated with hemoglobin, myoglobin and cytochromes, while nonheme iron is either stored in tissues or transported in the circulation bound to the serum protein transferrin [1]
Comprehensive reviews about the molecular mechanisms of iron regulation are available [6,7,8], we will restrict our focus to the role of iron metabolism in lung injury and inflammation
Summary
Iron is required for many vital functions including oxygen transport and energy metabolism. High iron stores promote oxidative stress triggering inflammatory responses and cellular injury that eventually leads to cell damage and death. The body has developed protective mechanisms to maintain optimal iron concentration. Protective feedback includes dynamic regulation of the expression of transporters and proteins for iron storage. In addition to these systemic regulatory mechanisms, the unique lung environment must provide detoxification from metal-induced oxidative stress and pathogenic infections. Comprehensive reviews about the molecular mechanisms of iron regulation are available [6,7,8], we will restrict our focus to the role of iron metabolism in lung injury and inflammation
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