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Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Biofunctionalization of Magnetic Nanomaterials
Published on: July 16, 2020
[The role of iron in neoplasms]
1Zavod za molekularnu medicinu, Institut Ruder Bosković, Bijenicka cesta 54, 10001 Zagreb.
Abstract:
The purpose of this review is to concisely summarize the current knowledge of iron participation in the carcinogenic process, especially from the standpoint of redox regulation, and to introduce a hypothesis for the mechanism. In both animals and humans, primary neoplasms develop more frequently at body sites of excessive iron deposits. Iron exerts its carcinogenic effects by catalysing formation of hydroxil radicals, suppressing activity of host defence cells and promoting cancer cell multiplication. Manipulations of cellular iron metabolism for modulating normal and malignant cell proliferation is described. Quantitative evaluation of body iron and iron-withholding proteins has prognostic value in cancer patients. Procedures associated with lowering host iron intake and inducing host cell iron efflux can assist in prevention and management of neoplastic disease.
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