Physiological iron handling pathways

Physiological iron handling pathways refer to the integrated biological systems responsible for the absorption, transport, storage, and recycling of iron within the body (StatPearls, 2023). This system is primarily regulated by the hormone hepcidin, which controls the activity of ferroportin, the sole known cellular iron exporter (Blood, 2013). Iron is essential for vital processes such as oxygen transport via hemoglobin, DNA synthesis, and mitochondrial energy production, but its levels must be strictly maintained to prevent oxidative damage (NIH, 2023). Clinical disorders arise when these pathways are disrupted, leading to either iron deficiency or systemic iron overload, such as hereditary hemochromatosis (Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 2019). Pharmacological interventions include iron salts for replacement, chelating agents for detoxification, and emerging therapies that target specific regulatory proteins like hepcidin to manage complex anemias (Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021).

Other names

Iron metabolismIron homeostasisSystemic iron regulationHepcidin-ferroportin axis

Modulation of iron levels through supplementation, chelation, or regulation of the hepcidin-ferroportin axis (Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021).