Iron, autoimmunity, and thrombosis: Exploring sex-specific interactions

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Immunology
• Reproductive Health

Background:

• Iron is vital for oxygen transport, energy, and immune function, but its dysregulation links to autoimmunity and thrombosis.
• Women face higher risks of iron deficiency due to physiological factors, increasing susceptibility to immune and thrombotic conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the connections between iron status, immune response, and thrombosis, focusing on sex-based differences.
• To hypothesize that iron deficiency promotes immune thrombotic conditions in predisposed women.
• To examine the impact of gender-affirming hormone therapy on iron metabolism.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of existing literature.
• Exploration of pathophysiological mechanisms linking iron deficiency to immune and thrombotic states.
• Analysis of sex-based differences and hormonal influences.

Main Results:

• Iron deficiency can impair immune cell function, leading to unbalanced responses.
• Reduced iron availability influences coagulation factors and platelets, elevating thrombotic risk.
• Hormonal therapy impacts iron metabolism, necessitating individualized assessment.

Conclusions:

• Iron deficiency may be a common factor in developing immune thrombotic conditions in susceptible women.
• Understanding sex-based differences in iron metabolism is crucial for managing immune-mediated diseases.
• Precision medicine requires considering hormonal influences on iron status, immunity, and thrombosis risk.