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Eppur Si Muove: ferritin is essential in modulating inflammation.
K Sharif1,2, V Vieira Borba1,2,3, G Zandman-Goddard1,2,4
1Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.
Clinical and Experimental Immunology
|October 13, 2017
Summary
Ferritin is now understood to be a pathogenic molecule, not just an inflammation marker. Emerging evidence supports this, opening new avenues for treating hyperferritinaemia-related diseases.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pathophysiology
- Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Ferritin, a protein primarily known for iron storage, was discovered last century.
- Traditionally viewed as a non-specific acute-phase reactant, its role in disease is under re-evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that ferritin acts as a pathogenic molecule.
- To explore the implications of ferritin's pathogenic role in diseases associated with hyperferritinaemia.
Main Methods:
- Review of emerging scientific evidence.
- Analysis of ferritin's role beyond inflammation.
Main Results:
- Recent evidence supports the hypothesis of ferritin's contributory role in disease pathogenesis.
- Ferritin's function extends beyond being a mere indicator of inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Ferritin's pathogenic potential is increasingly recognized.
- Understanding ferritin as a pathogenic molecule offers new therapeutic targets for hyperferritinaemia.
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