Transferrin: increased and decreased levels, methods of normalization

Transferrin is a protein in the blood plasma that binds iron ions and transports them throughout the body. When your body contains enough transferrin, you can effectively use the iron you get from food. The presence of iron in the body dictates the production of transferrin, but its levels are also affected by inflammation, liver and kidney health. Below in the article we will talk about high and low transferrin levels, and ways to normalize them.

The article is based on the findings of 56 scientific studies

The article quotes the authors:

• Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital Boston, USA
• Fernando Bermejo, Digestive Service, University Hospital of Fuenlabrada, Spain
• University of Utah, USA
• Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Wroclaw, Poland
• Medical University and University Hospital of Innsbruck, Austria
• and other authors.

Please note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, 3, etc.) are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific studies. You can follow these links and read the original source of information for the article.

What is transferrin

Transferrin is a blood plasma protein that binds iron and transports it throughout the body. It is the main carrier of iron in the blood. If you have enough transferrin, then your body can effectively use the iron you get from your diet. [, ]

The characteristic patterns of changes that occur in the blood plasma through the concentration of certain acute phase proteins after moderate inflammation are shown. Pay attention to the duration of fibrinogen production (simultaneous increase in ESR).

Transferrin levels increase with increasing iron deficiency. When iron is low, your body will try to compensate by increasing the amount of transferrin to increase the availability of iron in tissues. [] On the other hand, the amount of transferrin decreases with increasing iron content. [, ]

Acute phase reaction. The inflammatory stimulus leads to the activation of monocytes and macrophages, which release cytokines. Cytokines act on the liver to stimulate the production of acute phase proteins. Cytokines, together with acute phase proteins, produce a systemic response with neuroendocrine, metabolic, hematological and biochemical changes. (www.researchgate.net)

Transferrin protein is produced in the liver, so its levels are also associated with overall health and general inflammation in the liver and in the body as a whole. Transferrin is a negative acute phase protein. This means that as inflammation increases, and as the liver produces more inflammatory proteins (eg, C-reactive protein , ferritin), transferrin production decreases. [,]

Scheme of iron homeostasis (iron metabolism). The central part of the figure depicts the entry of iron into the body (via the small intestine), its attachment to transferrin (TF), movement to the main site of disposal (erythroid bone marrow), attachment to circulating red blood cells, to tissue macrophages, which phagocytize red blood cells and recycle iron levels to spleen, movement for storage in hepatocytes. (www.researchgate)

When is a test ordered?

There are many indications, given the important role siderophilin plays. If we talk about the reasons for the examination:

• Frequent dizziness. Occurs in diseases for which an increase in free iron in the blood is typical. It is possible that the brain is affected. On the other hand, similar symptoms occur with element deficiency.

Since there is not enough iron, little hemoglobin is produced to carry oxygen to the central nervous system.

These tissues are very demanding on cellular respiration and nutrition. Therefore, neurological manifestations occur immediately.

Additionally, severe, regular headaches develop. Possible nausea and vomiting.

• Weakness. Asthenic syndrome. A natural continuation of the previous phenomenon. Drowsiness, a feeling of exhaustion - these symptoms are almost always caused by disorders of the brain.

Consequently, the cause must be sought in the poor supply of oxygen to cerebral structures. It may well be that transferrin is not the culprit. The doctor prescribes the analysis at his own discretion.

• Anemia. Most often iron deficiency. When the body does not receive enough substance, the production of siderophilin decreases. This is how the body saves energy.

If the element is supplied in sufficient quantity, but is not absorbed, the reverse process occurs. The concentration of free transferrin increases, which should not happen: most of the protein is in a bound state.

This is an informative technique for diagnosing anemia. But for determining its other forms: megaloblastic, etc., the method is not suitable.

• Heart rhythm disturbances. Especially if the reason for this could not be found earlier. We are talking about tachycardia (rapid heartbeat). This occurs against the background of insufficient cellular respiration of the myocardium. Muscle tissue is also extremely demanding of oxygen.

Gas transportation is impossible without hemoglobin. And the synthesis of this, in turn, without a sufficient amount of transferrin. Therefore, any rhythm deviations can occur due to siderophilin deficiency. Although this is relatively rare.

• Errors in other laboratory parameters. Especially if the number of red blood cells is changed.
• Pain in the liver.
• Disorders of the digestive tract. Occurs with excess iron. This is precisely a consequence of the fact that its toxic ions circulate freely throughout the body. Normally, almost the entire element is associated with transferrin. The disease is indicated by an excess amount of iron in the blood.

There are many indications. The list is far from complete. The doctor may order an examination for other reasons. This question is best left to the specialist himself.

Normal transferrin level

The unit of measurement for transferrin when taking tests is g/l.

Transferrin reference values ​​(normal range)

Serum transferrin concentrations are approximately 10% higher in women than in men. A high concentration of transferrin in the blood serum is observed during pregnancy (especially in the third trimester) and when using estrogens.

Transferrin test

A study of the level of transferrin in the blood is necessary for a more detailed study of iron metabolism in the body. This in-depth consideration is necessary to:

• iron metabolism assessments (along with iron testing) to determine how much iron the blood carries
• estimates of iron stores in the body
• identifying the cause of anemia - iron deficiency, chronic diseases or vitamin B12 deficiency
• liver health assessments.

Transferrin saturation coefficient (TSR)

After the synthesis of transferrin in the liver, it is saturated with iron. This saturation depends on the level of iron in the body, which comes with food. The main location of transferrin is the mucous membrane , where this protein captures iron ions from food and prevents harmful microorganisms from also using the iron. With a lack of iron, pathogens on the mucous membranes are inhibited, which allows a very small list of bacteria to multiply. In addition to iron, transferrin is capable of binding cobalt and zinc.

The transferrin saturation coefficient (TSC) is the ratio of iron bound in transferrin (iron in serum) to the total iron binding capacity (TIBC) or total transferrin, measured as a percentage.

KNT = iron / OZhSS * 100

Normal CST values ​​for adults are: 15-50%

High values ​​of CST (transferrin saturation coefficient) are determined with increased iron content in the body and are inherent in the following conditions: megaloblastic anemia, sideroblastic anemia, hemochromatosis. A decrease in CST indicates the following possible problems in the body: iron deficiency anemia, chronic infections, malignant tumors, tissue inflammation, uremia and nephrotic syndrome.

Reasons for the downgrade

Transferrin concentration drops frequently. This is the main form of pathology. Raising is less typical. There can be many culprits.

Inflammatory processes

Siderophilin has an interesting feature. As soon as an infectious or autoimmune lesion begins, the protein breaks down. Therefore, its quantity in the riverbed is sharply reduced. The concentration of transferrin in the blood in this case decreases by 1.5-1.7 times. Plus or minus, depending on the severity of the pathological process.

The reason is not only the negative impact of toxins and one’s own immune cells on the protein. Part of transferrin is involved in the fight against pathogenic structures.

The concentration of the substance can be used as an indicator of the effectiveness of treatment. Although this is rather an indirect indicator, you should not rely on it alone.

Taking glucocorticoids

Synthetic hormonal drugs inhibit the functioning of the bone marrow, which is precisely the reason for the decrease in transferrin concentration.

There are few red blood cells. Hemoglobin synthesis weakens. Consequently, you no longer need as much siderophilin as under normal conditions. The protein will “stand idle”. The body tries to save energy. In this simple way, it simply optimizes its own work.

Liver pathologies

Reduced transferrin in a blood test means that the largest gland in the body is likely affected. As already mentioned, it is she who produces the substance. To a lesser extent the head is the brain.

Any, even minor, diseases cause problems. The more serious the liver pathology, the lower the siderophilin levels.

Particularly characteristic in this regard are hepatitis of various types (infectious, toxic, alcoholic) and cirrhosis. As soon as the organ begins to function normally, the amount of the substance is restored.

Oncology

A decrease in transferrin is typical for cancer processes. This is the result of exhaustion of the body. The body tries to overcome neoplasia and directs the forces of the entire immune system to solve this problem.

Hematopoiesis first becomes more intense (especially if the tumor disintegrates) and then weakens. Protein values ​​follow these processes.

Hereditary diseases

Hemochromatosis, thalassemia. They are determined genetically. In some cases, the problem is the “defective” material of the parents. In others, the cause is a spontaneous mutation.

It is almost impossible to cope with such disorders. At least it won't be possible to eliminate the root cause. It is encoded at the core of the organism.

But there is every chance of adjusting the substance’s indicators artificially. This is a symptomatic measure, but it gives a person the opportunity to live.

Kidney pathologies

Disorders in which the body rapidly loses protein. This includes nephrotic syndromes. In this case, the reason is purely physical: there is not enough material to synthesize siderophilin, the percentage of transferrin saturation is also low.

That is, the protein that is synthesized is also not able to do its job.

Bleeding

Mechanical factor. Transferrin is released along with the liquid connective tissue. If you carry out the analysis right away, the deficiency of the substance is not surprising. After the transfusion, when only plasma was administered, nothing changes.

For some time, the saturation coefficient of siderophilin with iron, as well as its total concentration, will be below normal. The body will synthesize the substance and gradually restore its amount.

Intake of excess iron from outside

The number of ions seriously exceeds the concentration of protein units. All of Transferrin goes to work, so there is almost none left in its free form. It `s naturally. In a few days everything will return to normal on its own.

Reduced transferrin in women may be associated with a natural cycle, recent resolution of pregnancy. Otherwise, the culprits are the same.

High transferrin levels

Causes of elevated transferrin levels:

• The most common cause of elevated transferrin is iron deficiency anemia. [,, ]
• Pregnancy, especially its third trimester. Normal condition.
• Birth control pills. In a study of 117 women who took birth control pills (oral contraceptives) for at least 2 years, transferrin levels were higher than in women who had never taken them. []
• Obtaining a significant amount of fluorides (fluorine compounds).

Ways to reduce transferrin

Eating foods high in iron can help prevent iron deficiency. Iron-rich foods include red meat, liver, poultry and fish. []

Iron supplements will iron intake, but should only be taken if your iron deficiency cannot be corrected through diet. [, , ]

Reduce consumption of drinks such as coffee , cocoa , green and herbal tea , as they reduce the absorption of iron from food. [, , , , , ] Or postpone their consumption 1-2 hours before meals. alcohol consumption , which completely destroys heme iron in animal foods, but not in plant foods. []

Vitamin C increases iron absorption []. It is a good practice to add sources of vitamin C to iron-rich foods (dried rose hips, lemon juice, sauerkraut, etc.).

FOOD RICH IN IRON AND FOODS WITH VITAMIN C TO IMPROVE IRON ABSORPTION

It is worth noting that night shift work disrupts circadian rhythms and there is a disagreement between the “internal clocks” in the liver and brain. If, in the evening or at night, you eat food that contains a lot of iron (for example, sausage, hamburger, steak), then an even greater mismatch occurs between the circadian rhythms in the liver cells and in the brain. This disorder increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. []

Heme and non-heme iron

Heme is part of hemoglobin, myoglobin, and some enzymes (cytochromes, catalase, lactoperoxidase). The iron included in these compounds is commonly called heme iron .

Heme iron is much better absorbed by the body.

SOME FOOD PRODUCTS ARE SOURCES OF HEME AND NON-HEME IRON
Iron compounds found in plant foods are classified as non-heme iron . It is much less absorbed than heme iron, and its absorption is influenced by many additional factors.

Substances that reduce iron absorption

• Solubility of various non-heme iron compounds
• Integrity of the intestinal mucosa (healthy intestines absorb better)
• polyphenols in food – grains, vegetables, spices and drinks
• Calcium (cow's milk, calcium supplements)
• Phytic acid – bran, wheat, rice, legumes, nuts (can reduce absorption by 50-60%).
• Zinc supplements . It is better to take separately from food.
• Oxalic acid – found in spinach, cabbage, beets, nuts, chocolate and tea. Reduces the absorption of heme iron.
• Eggs contain a compound called phosvitin, which impairs iron absorption. One boiled egg can reduce the absorption of iron in food by 28%.

Substances that increase iron absorption

• Vitamin C – can increase absorption 4 times
• Beta-carotene – increases absorption and reduces the effect of phytic acid and tannins.
• Betaine hydrochloride is an acid that is present in the stomach and it helps with the breakdown of food and absorption of nutrients.

Table of examples of iron absorption from various foods

Decreased transferrin levels

Iron overload

The most common cause of low transferrin is iron overload (excess iron). [, ]

Protein food deficiency

To produce proteins, the liver needs resources. To do this, the liver requires amino acids, which you get from your diet. When there is not enough protein in your diet, then your liver cannot produce enough transferrin. []

In studies of over 80 children who were malnourished, transferrin levels were significantly reduced. [, ]

Inflammation

As mentioned above, transferrin is a negative acute phase protein. When the liver increases the production of proteins associated with inflammation (eg, C-reactive protein , ferritin), there is a decrease in transferrin production. [,] A number of diseases, such as infections and cancer , which are characterized by an inflammatory process, can reduce transferrin levels. []

PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS OF CHRONIC ANEMIA WITH INFLAMMATION (www.scielo.br) The anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 regulates the expression of the transferrin receptor, enhancing its binding to iron, mediated by the monocyte transferrin receptor.

An observational study of 297 patients with active inflammatory bowel diseases ( Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis ) found significantly lower transferrin levels. Increased disease activity and inflammation were associated with decreased transferrin levels. []

Another similar study compared 20 patients with chronic periodontitis (gum inflammation) and 20 healthy people. It has been found that people with chronic gum disease have lower levels of transferrin. Three months after treatment of inflammation, the level of transferrin in the blood increased to the values ​​​​that were in healthy people. []

Preeclampsia , a condition that causes high blood pressure during pregnancy, is associated with inflammation. Women with preeclampsia often show decreased transferrin values. [, ]

Other chronic diseases leading to an increase in inflammation and a decrease in transferrin: systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis , tuberculosis, bacterial endocarditis.

Liver disease

In liver disease, this organ cannot effectively produce transferrin. [] This happens when liver function is impaired by inflammation or alcohol consumption. []

Patients with liver disease , including cirrhosis, have significantly lower transferrin levels than healthy people. [, ]

Kidney disease

Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder that causes too much protein to be excreted in the urine. Transferrin is one of the proteins that is excreted from the body in urine. This is why nephrotic syndrome, especially in diabetes, can exhibit significant transferrin losses. [, ] Glomerulonephritis is another inflammatory kidney disease, possibly autoimmune, leading to a decrease in transferrin values.

Genetic predisposition

Transferrin may be low due to genetic reasons. In these cases, transferrin values ​​were in the range of 10-20 mg/dL. [, ]

Other reasons for decreased transferrin levels

• Use of corticosteroids and testosterone
• Thalassemia
• Hereditary hemochromatosis
• Loss of protein in burns
• Malabsorption syndrome
• Serum hemolysis

Ways to increase transferrin levels

In order to increase your transferrin levels, you must make sure that your blood does not contain large amounts of iron. An iron blood test will help you answer this question.

DISTRIBUTION OF IRON IN THE BODY OF AN ADULT.
Circulating iron binds to transferrin and is delivered to tissues (black arrows) (openi.nlm.nih.gov)

Reduce iron intake from food

If your transferrin levels are low due to high iron intake:

• Avoid iron-rich foods such as red meat, fish and poultry. []
• Eat more foods that reduce iron absorption, such as fiber and phytic acid (from whole grains) and chili peppers. [, ]
• Drink more coffee, cocoa, green tea and other herbal teas such as chamomile, linden, mint and verbena teas. All of them reduce the absorption of iron from food. [, , , , , ]

Additional examinations

Increased or decreased transferrin is an informative indicator; deviations indicate disorders: from liver pathologies to tumor processes.

However, it is impossible to say anything specific based on the level of siderophilin alone. We need auxiliary techniques.

• Oral interview and history taking. The very beginning of diagnosis. Based on the symptoms and lifestyle characteristics, one can draw conclusions about the origin and essence of the disorder.
• Ultrasound of the abdominal organs. The liver is closely examined. To a lesser extent the intestines.
• Hormone tests. Biochemical blood test. With determination of ALT and AST.
• If necessary, MRI or CT is prescribed. Tomographic techniques are especially important in diagnosing cancer and oncology in general.
• Cardiography. ECHO-KG.
• This is just a small part. What exactly and how to examine is decided by the doctor, at his own discretion.

Transferrin is a special transport protein. It transports iron and makes cellular respiration possible. Many other functions also depend on this substance.

All deviations are grounds for in-depth examination of the patient. Treatment is prescribed as needed, if indications exist. With timely treatment, there is every chance to forget about the problem and fully recover.