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Updated: Jul 29, 2026
09:43
Measurement of Heme Synthesis Levels in Mammalian Cells
Published on: July 9, 2015
Hematological alterations in protein malnutrition.
Ed W Santos1, Dalila C Oliveira1, Graziela B Silva1
1Experimental Hematology Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Nutrition Reviews
|October 13, 2017
Summary
Protein malnutrition significantly impairs the hematopoietic system, affecting blood cell production and immune response. This review details how nutritional deficiencies alter stem cells and their environment, leading to bone marrow atrophy.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Nutrition Science
- Immunology
Background:
- Protein malnutrition is a global health issue impacting millions, particularly vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.
- The hematopoietic system, crucial for blood cell production, is highly sensitive to protein deficiency due to rapid cell turnover.
- Understanding these effects is vital for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current scientific knowledge on protein malnutrition and its impact on hematopoiesis.
- To summarize research on the mechanisms by which protein deficiency affects blood cell development.
- To highlight advances in studying hematopoiesis under conditions of protein malnutrition.
Main Methods:
- Review of in vitro, animal model, and human studies on protein malnutrition and hematopoiesis.
- Analysis of structural and cellular changes in the hematopoietic microenvironment.
- Examination of alterations in stem cells, progenitor cells, and leukocytes.
Main Results:
- Protein malnutrition causes structural changes in the bone marrow niche, spleen, and thymus.
- Deficiencies lead to alterations in mesenchymal and hematopoietic stem cells, increased autophagy, and cell-cycle arrest.
- Functional impairments in leukocytes and bone marrow atrophy result in a weakened immune response.
Conclusions:
- Protein malnutrition severely disrupts hematopoiesis by altering the stem cell niche and cellular functions.
- These disruptions lead to impaired immune responses and bone marrow atrophy.
- Further research is needed to address the hematological consequences of protein deficiency.
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