Microcytic anaemia

Transferrin Iron transport in plasma and into cells hpx mice (Huggenvik et al, 1989 Bernstein, 1987 Craven et al, 1987 Goya et al, 1972) Hypotransferinemia (Goya et al., 1972) microcytic anaemia increased iron absorption parenchymal iron overload... 

Aluminium toxicity is the likely cause of three human disorders arising from long-term haemodialysis vitamin D-resistant osteomalacia, iron adequate microcytic anaemia, and dialysis dementia (Martin, 1994). The first of these conditions is consistent with interference with calcium deposition into bone, and the accumulation of aluminium in the bone matrix. 

Nitromethane caused mild degeneration of the olfactory epithelium of exposed rats and mice and microcytic anaemia with minimal to mild hyperplasia of the bone marrow in rats. 

Microcytic anaemia is primarily a result of a failure or deficiency of haemoglobin synthesis, which may be caused by several aetiologies ... 

Fleming MD, Trenor CC III, Su MA, Fo-ernzler D, Beier DR, et al. 1997. Microcytic anaemia mice have a mutation in Nramp2, a candidate iron transporter gene. Nat. Genet. 16 383-86... 

Iron deficiency can be diagnosed by finding a hypochromic microcytic anaemia. 

This patient has the classic symptoms and signs of iron deficiency anaemia. The finding of a low serum ferritin with a low serum iron and per cent transferrin saturation are typical of this condition. However, if iron deficiency anaemia is suspected, the most important and usually the only investigation required is to demonstrate the presence of a hypochromic microcytic anaemia by examining the blood film. 

Coffee may possibly contribute towards the development of iron-deficiency anaemia in pregnant women, and reduce the levels of iron in breast milk. As a result their babies may also be iron deficient. Tea may also possibly be associated with microcytic anaemia in children. 

In addition to the classical clinical symptoms of vitamin Bg deficiency such as seborrheic dermatitis, microcytic anaemia, epileptiform convulsions, depression and confusion, research in last few decades has focused on the intriguing potential association of vitamin Bg status and chronic diseases such as vascular diseases and cancer. 

In animals deficiency of vitamin 85 has effects on the nervous system, the convulsions of acute deficiency probably resulting from a shortage of y-aminobutyrate (GABA) which acts as an inhibitor of nervous transmission. Deficiency also causes a special form of dermatitis and a microcytic anaemia. In monkeys deficiency was found to cause atherosclerosis and dental caries. Since vitamin Be is more uniformly distributed than most other members of the vitamin B complex, nutritional deficiency in humans is rare, but some forms of iron-resistant hypochromic anaemia respond to vitamin Be therapy. 

Copper deficiency in humans is very rare. The prolonged low intake of copper (0.8-1.0mg daily) results in higher levels of cholesterol in the blood, changes in heart rhythm and reduced glucose tolerance. Experiments on animals have shown that copper deficiency causes serious disorders of iron metabolism and subsequently hypochromic microcytic anaemia. Other symptoms are movement disorders, changes in skin, hair, nails (impaired pigmentation and formation of keratin) and bones (facile fragility and deformation). 

Cardiovascular In a case report, a renal transplant patient treated with sirolimus developed pericardial tamponade associated with interstitial pnemnonia, proteinuria and microcytic anaemia. No other causes were found and all symptoms disappeared 1 month after sirolimus interruption [47 ]. 

Aluminium is the most widely used element in our daily lives. Some of the sources of aluminium include drinking water, food additives and cooking utensils made of aluminium. High amoxmts of aluminium have been reported to be mixed with mashed tomatoes and yogurt during processing from normal and noncoated aluminium pans as a result of acidity. Aluminium is not essential for life processes, but increased amounts have been linked to various disorders such as microcytic anaemia, bone disturbances, neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer s disease (AD) and Parkinson s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and encephalopathy. Smaller studies have demonstrated that aluminium exposure is associated with the impairment of mitochondrial function in vitro. 

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