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Measurement of Heme Synthesis Levels in Mammalian Cells
Published on: July 9, 2015
Iron metabolism: pathophysiology and pharmacology
Karolin Roemhild1, Finn von Maltzahn2, Ralf Weiskirchen3
1Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen 52074, Germany; Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen 52074, Germany.
None:
Iron is essential in many physiological processes, including DNA metabolism, oxygen transport, and cellular energy generation. Deregulated iron metabolism, which results in iron overload or iron deficiency, is observed in many different diseases. We here summarize recent progress in the pathophysiology and pharmacology of iron-overload diseases, such as hereditary hemochromatosis, as well as iron-deficiency disorders, which are typically associated with anemia. The role of iron in immunity and the connection between iron and cancer are also addressed. We finally summarize and discuss the current (pre-) clinical landscape of pharmacotherapies targeting key players involved in iron metabolism.
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