动物储铁蛋白研究进展

Research progress of ferritin in animals

铁元素是生物体中必不可少的微量元素,在生物的生长发育中发挥着重要作用。铁蛋白是一种分布广泛的球形蛋白,能够以稳定的形式储存大量铁。铁蛋白通过储存和释放铁来维持机体内铁平衡。铁蛋白不仅是机体中重要的铁储存蛋白,同时也能有效保护生物体免受来自氧自由基的损伤。与此同时,铁蛋白含量可以作为一些疾病预防检测的明确指标。对铁的代谢吸收及铁对基因调控的研究,进一步说明了维持铁平衡对生物体有重要意义。

Iron is an essential micronutrient for growth and development of living organisms. Ferritin is a widely distributed globular protein, designed to accommodate large amounts of iron in a safe, soluble and bioavailable form. It acts as a buffer against iron deficiency and iron overload by iron stores and releases. It is vital for life because it is the primary iron storage protein, and protecting the organism from damage of reactive oxygen species. At the same time, ferritin level in serum can be used as the biomarker of the presence of a disorder or disease. The study of iron metabolism and regulation reveals strong evidence of the importance of keeping iron homeostasis in living organisms.