Iron Metabolism

This book focuses on advances in our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of brain iron uptake, iron homeostasis and iron metabolism in the pathophysiology and pharmacology of CNS disease models. Dysregulation of brain iron homeostasis can lead to severe pathological changes in the neural system. Iron deficiency can slow down the development of the neural system and cause language and motion disorders, while iron overload is closely related to neurodegenerative diseases. Although some current books include chapters on iron metabolism and certain neurodegenerative diseases, this is the first systematic summary of the latest discoveries regarding brain iron metabolism and CNS diseases. By providing novel and thought-provoking insights into the mechanisms and physiological significance of brain iron metabolism and related diseases, the book stimulates further new research directions. It helps graduate students and researchers gain an overall picture of brain iron metabolism and the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, and also offers pharmaceutical companies inspiration for new treatment strategies for CNS diseases.

Iron is indispensable for the growth, development and well-being of almost all living organisms. Biological systems from bacteria, fungi and plants to humans have evolved systems for the uptake, utilisation, storage and homeostasis of iron. Its importance for microbial growth makes its uptake systems a natural target for pathogenic microorganisms and parasites. Uniquely, humans suffer from both iron deficiency and iron overload, while the capacity of iron to generate highly reactive free radicals, causing oxidative stress, is associated with a wide range of human pathologies, including many neurodegenerative diseases. Whereas some essential metal ions like copper and zinc are closely linked with iron metabolism, toxic metals like aluminium and cadmium can interfere with iron metabolism. Finally, iron metabolism and homeostasis are key targets for the development of new drugs for human health. The 4th edition of Iron Metabolism is written in a lively style by one of the leaders in the field, presented in colour and covers the latest discoveries in this exciting area. It will be essential reading for researchers and students in biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, cell biology, nutrition and medical sciences. Other interested groups include biological inorganic chemists with an interest in iron metabolism, health professionals with an interest in diseases of iron metabolism, or of diseases in which iron uptake systems are involved (eg. microbial and fungal infections, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders), and researchers in the pharmaceutical industry interested in developing novel drugs targeting iron metabolism/homeostasis.

An overview of human iron metabolism. This book reviews the metabolic importance of iron in evolution, the physiology and biochemistry of internal iron exchange, iron absorption and iron storage, the molecular regulation of cellular iron homeostasis and aspects of iron and disease.

Iron is of fundamental importance for the growth, development and well being of almost all living organisms. Multiple biological systems have been developed for the uptake, utilisation, storage and homeostasis of iron in microbes, plants and mammals. e.g. Both iron deficiency and iron overload are found extensively in man: the intimate links between iron and oxidative stress are associated with a wide range of pathologies; iron has a well established role in infections by a wide range of microorganisms and parasites; there is a close link between iron requirements and cellular division with implications for cancers and other metals such as copper and zinc are closely linked with iron metabolism. The first edition of this book was published in 1991. Since then the extensive impact of molecular cell biology on the field of iron biochemistry has opened new horizons in our understanding of the transport and storage of iron and of its homeostasis. The explosive use of molecular biological techniques applied to cellular biology of iron metabolism has resulted in a rapid expansion in the literature which has led to the need for this second edition. This second edition also: Introduces many illustrations and colour photos to make the basic concepts far clearer Includes new chapters on iron and cell division and interactions of iron with other metals - particularly copper and zinc Provides additional anecdotes Incorporates an extensive and up-to-date bibliography

This volume is the newest release in the authoritative series issued by the National Academy of Sciences on dietary reference intakes (DRIs). This series provides recommended intakes, such as Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs), for use in planning nutritionally adequate diets for individuals based on age and gender. In addition, a new reference intake, the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL), has also been established to assist an individual in knowing how much is "too much" of a nutrient. Based on the Institute of Medicine's review of the scientific literature regarding dietary micronutrients, recommendations have been formulated regarding vitamins A and K, iron, iodine, chromium, copper, manganese, molybdenum, zinc, and other potentially beneficial trace elements such as boron to determine the roles, if any, they play in health. The book also: Reviews selected components of food that may influence the bioavailability of these compounds. Develops estimates of dietary intake of these compounds that are compatible with good nutrition throughout the life span and that may decrease risk of chronic disease where data indicate they play a role. Determines Tolerable Upper Intake levels for each nutrient reviewed where adequate scientific data are available in specific population subgroups. Identifies research needed to improve knowledge of the role of these micronutrients in human health. This book will be important to professionals in nutrition research and education.

Iron is of fundamental importance to the growth, development and well-being of almost all living organisms. Multiple biological systems have evolved for the uptake, utilisation, storage, and homeostasis of iron in microbes, plants and mammals. Both iron deficiency and iron overload are found extensively in humans; the intimate links between iron and oxidative stress are associated with a wide range of pathologies. Iron has a well established role in infections by a range of microorganisms and parasites. Other metals such as copper and zinc are also closely linked with iron metabolism. Iron overloads and deficiencies are important factors in the health of humans and are therefore a key target in drug development. Iron Metabolism: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Consequences, 3rd Edition presents a comprehensive overview of this important field.Topics covered include: Solution chemistry of iron in biological media The importance of iron for biological systems Microbial iron transport and metabolism Iron uptake by plants and fungi Cellular iron uptake and export in mammals Intracellular iron storage and biomineralization Intracellular iron metabolism and cellular iron homeostasis Iron absorption in mammals, with particular reference to man, and regulation of systemic iron balance Pathophysiology of iron deficiency and iron overload in man Iron and oxidative stress Brain iron homeostasis and its perturbation in various neurodegenerative diseases Interactions between iron and other metals Written in a lively style by one of the leaders in the field and presented in full colour, this third, expanded edition of Iron Metabolism has been fully updated with the latest discoveries. Major additions include recent information on mitochondrial iron metabolism and the role of frataxin; transcriptional control of iron homeostasis; orally active iron chelators; the roles of hepcidin and erythropoietin; the increasing number of types of iron overload; and the importance of iron in Alzheimer’s disease. Iron Metabolism is essential reading for researchers and students in biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, cell biology, nutrition and the medical sciences. It will also find space on the bookshelves of bioinorganic chemists with an interest in iron metabolism, health professionals with an interest in diseases of iron metabolism, and pharmacologists in the pharmaceutical industry interested in developing novel iron-binding drugs.

Iron Physiology and Pathophysiology in Humans provides health professionals in many areas of research and practice with the most up-to-date and well-referenced volume on the importance of iron as a nutrient and its role in health and disease. This important new volume is the benchmark in the complex area of interrelationships between the essentiality of iron, its functions throughout the body, including its critical role in erythropoiesis, the biochemistry and clinical relevance of iron-containing enzymes and other molecules involved in iron absorption, transport and metabolism, he importance of optimal iron status on immune function, and links between iron and the liver, heart, brain and other organs. Moreover, the interactions between genetic and environmental factors and the numerous co-morbidities seen with both iron deficiency and iron overload in at risk populations are clearly delineated so that students as well as practitioners can better understand the complexities of these interactions. Key features of the volume include an in-depth index and recommendations and practice guidelines are included in relevant chapters. The volume contains more than 100 detailed tables and informative figures and up-to-date references that provide the reader with excellent sources of information about the critical role of iron nutrition, optimal iron status and the adverse clinical consequences of altered iron homeostasis. Iron Physiology and Pathophysiology in Humans is an excellent new text as well as the most authoritative resource in the field.

Microbial Iron Metabolism: A Comprehensive Treatise provides a comprehensive treatment of microbial iron metabolism. It aims to contribute to an increased understanding of the path of iron in microbial species and, eventually, in the plant and animal. The book is organized into five parts. Part I describes some features of iron and its function in the microbial world. These include a historical sketch of the recognition of the importance of iron in cellular physiology; a description of certain physical properties of ferrous and ferric ions; and a list of various known biocoordination derivati ...