Transferrin
to determine the cause of anemia, to examine iron metabolism (for example, in iron deficiency anemia) and to determine the iron-carrying capacity of the blood.
Low transferrin can impair hemoglobin production (since to make hemoglobin, you have to have iron) and so lead to anemia. Low transferrin can be due to poor production of transferrin by the liver (where it’s made) or excessive loss of transferrin through the kidneys into the urine. Many conditions including infection and malignancy can depress transferrin levels. The transferrin is abnormally high in iron deficiency anemia.
The gene for transferrin is in chromosome band 3q21.
Hereditary absence of transferrin is called atransferrinemia. It is characterized by anemia and hemosiderosis (iron deposition) in the heart and liver. The iron damage to the heart can lead to heart failure. The anemia is typically microcytic and hypochromic (the red blood cells are abnormally small and pale). The disease is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. It is due to mutation of both of a person’s transferrin genes. Atransferrinemia can be effectively treated by plasma infusions of transferrin.
Read Also:
- Transformation, genetic
A process by which the genetic material carried by an individual cell is altered by the incorporation of foreign (exogenous) DNA into its genome.
- Transforming growth factor
(TGF) One of several proteins secreted by transformed cells that can stimulate the growth of normal cells. Transforming growth factor alpha (TGF alpha or TGF-A) binds the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and stimulates the growth of endothelial cells (cells that line the inside of blood vessels). Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta or TGF-B) is […]
- Transforming principle
“Assuming that the sodium desoxyribonucleate and the active principle are one and the same substance, then the transformation described represents a change that is chemically induced and specifically directed by a known chemical compound. If the results of the present study on the chemical nature of the transforming principle are confirmed, then nucleic acids must […]
- Transfusion
The transfer of blood or blood products from one person (the donor) into the bloodstream of another person (the recipient). In most situations, transfusion is done as a lifesaving maneuver to replace blood cells or blood products lost through severe bleeding. Transfusion of one’s own blood (autologous transfusion) is the safest method, but it requires […]
- Transfusion medicine
The practice of blood transfusion and blood conservation, complementary activities that ensure the best balance between safety and convenience during emergency care or surgery.