1. Discuss the biochemical functions of iron and list the effects caused by the deficiency.

Biochemical Function of Iron:

1. Biosynthesis of Heme

In the last step of Heme Biosynthesis, an incorporation of Fe2+ in Protoporphyrin IX forms a

Heme molecule

Heme is required for :

Haemoglobin: Oxygen carrier in blood

Myoglobin: Oxygen supply to muscles
Cytochromes: Biological Oxidation and the Transfer of electrons
Cytochrome C
Cytochrome P450
Catalase Antioxidant Enzymew for Peroxide Oxidation
Cyclooxygenase Prostaglandin Synthesis
Tryptophan Tryptophan catabolism
Dioxygenase

2. Cell Nucleus Relation: Chromatin material contains Fe2+

3. Nissl Granules in neurons contains Iron: Metabolic oxidation reaction in neurons

Effects caused By Iron Deficiency

 Anemia

 Dyshaemopoietic – insufficient formation of blood

 Haemorrhagic – Blood loss due to piles, ulcers, bleeding, anti-

inflammatory drugs

 Haemolytic – excessive intravascular RBC destruction

 Iron deficiency anemia – defective synthesis of heme-complex and

iron-containing metalloenzymes.

o Iron Deficiency Anaemia:

 Clinical manifestations

o Apathy – since iron is present in cytochromes- low level of

iron – low level of oxygen - derangement of cellular
respiration and all metabolic process

o Achlorrhydria – atropy of gastric epithelium – decreased

absorption of iron; Atropy of oral cavity and esophagus
 causes dysphagia – Plummer-Wilson syndrome –
precancerous condition

o Impaired attention, irritability, lowered memory, poor

scholastic performance

 Laboratory findings

o Decreased serum iron level – acute & chronic infections;

carcinomas; hypothyroidism and kwashiorkar

o Increased TIBC

o Soluble transferrin receptor level - Increased in iron

deficiency anemia, hemolytic anemia and polycythemia -
Decreased in aplastic anemia and chronic renal failure

 Treatment

o Iron- folic acid- vitamin C (for conversion to ferrous form for

easy absorption) – vitamin E (to prevent free radical
generation as unabsorbed iron causes free radical
generation)