Abstract

Iron is a central element in the metabolism of normal and malignant cells. Besides the oxygen binding, iron plays an important role in many systems like oxygen metabolism, electron transfer via cytochromes and as metal cofactor for enzymes. The iron resorption, the cellular transport, the markers of iron metabolism and storage and their clinical relevance is reviewed. The metabolism of iron is influenced by cellular mechanisms mediated by different cell types like T lymphocytes as well as macrophages and different cytokines like interferon (IFN) g, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) a and interleukin-1 (IL-1) 1. Pathophysiology of iron in chronic infections and tumors, anemia of chronic diseases (ACD) and substitution therapy as well as the impact on the use of erythropoietin are discussed.

Author Details

Authors

• S. Könemann¹
• T. Bölling¹
• F. Matzkies²
• N. Willich¹
• K. Kisters³
• O. Micke¹

Departments

• ¹ Department of Radiotherapy, Münster University Hospital
• ² Nephrologic Praxis Clinic in the MedicalCenter, Münster, and
• ³ Department of Internal Medicine, St. Anna Hospital, Herne, Germany

Address

Dr. S. Könemann
Münster University Hospital
Department of Radiotherapy
Albert-Schweitzer-Straße 33
48129 Münster, Germany
Email: [email protected]

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