Soluble transferrin receptors are proteins found in blood that can be elevated with iron deficiency. This test measures the amount of soluble transferrin receptors to help detect and evaluate iron deficiency and aid in the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia. Iron is an essential nutrient absorbed from the diet.

What is the function of transferrin?

Transferrin is a blood-plasma glycoprotein, which plays a central role in iron metabolism and is responsible for ferric-ion delivery. Transferrin functions as the most critical ferric pool in the body. It transports iron through the blood to various tissues such as the liver, spleen, and bone marrow.

What is the major cause of iron deficiency?

Iron deficiency is when the stores of iron in your body are too low. Common causes of iron deficiency in adults include not getting enough iron in your diet, chronic blood loss, pregnancy and vigorous exercise. Some people become iron deficient if they are unable to absorb iron.

What is serum transferrin receptor?

Abstract. Transferrin receptors (TfRs) are the conventional pathway by which cells acquire iron for physiological requirements. Under iron-deficient conditions there is an increased concentration of surface TfR, especially on bone marrow erythroid precursors, as a mechanism to sequester needed iron.

What is a normal soluble transferrin receptor?

Normal adult levels vary from 2 to 5 mg/l. However, pediatric studies are few and describe normal ranges to the tune of 1.0–3.0 mg/l, which are relatively lower than that of adults. In present study 40 healthy children (2–12 years) were evaluated to establish normal soluble transferrin receptor range.

What happens if your transferrin saturation is low?

Low transferrin saturation indicates you are likely to be suffering from iron deficiency. In iron deficiency, iron is low and fewer transferrin binding sites are used to the saturation of these binding sites is low. – Any condition that causes chronic blood loss, for example heavy periods in menstruating women.

Is low transferrin bad?

However, markedly low transferrin levels indicate severe protein-energy malnutrition. A value less than 100 mg/dL may be considered a reliable index of severe protein-energy malnutrition.

Is transferrin the same as ferritin?

Ferritin is stored in the body’s cells until it’s time to make more red blood cells. The body will signal the cells to release ferritin. The ferritin then binds to another substance called transferrin. Transferrin is a protein that combines with ferritin to transport it to where new red blood cells are made.

What foods contain iron?

Foods rich in iron include:

  • Red meat, pork and poultry.
  • Seafood.
  • Beans.
  • Dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach.
  • Dried fruit, such as raisins and apricots.
  • Iron-fortified cereals, breads and pastas.
  • Peas.

What is transferrin on a blood test?

A transferrin test is carried out to directly measure the level of iron in the blood and also the body’s ability to transport iron in the blood. The transferrin blood test is ordered if the doctor suspects abnormalities of iron levels in your body. The tests help diagnose chronic iron overload or deficiency.

Is ferritin and transferrin the same thing?

What are the treatment options for atransferrinemia?

The treatment of atransferrinemia is directed toward the specific symptoms that are apparent in each individual. Affected individuals have been treated with infusions of plasma or of a urified form of transferrin (apotransferrin) that may correct certain symptoms (e.g., anemia, growth deficiencies) associated with the disorder.

What is the pathophysiology of atransferrinemia?

Atransferrinemia is principally caused by mutations of the transferrin ( TF) gene and is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. Atransferrinemia is classified as an iron overload disorder.

Is atransferrinemia an autosomal recessive?

Atransferrinemia, also called familial hypotransferrinemia, is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder in which there is an absence of transferrin, a plasma protein that transports iron through the blood. Atransferrinemia is characterized by anemia and hemosiderosis in the heart and liver.

What is the role of iron chelators in atransferrinemia?

Iron chelators are drugs that are often used to treat other disorders of iron overload. Iron chelators bind to the excess iron in the body allowing it to be dissolved in water and excreted from the body through the kidneys. The role, if any, that iron chelators may play in the treatment of individuals with atransferrinemia is unknown.