Oxygen iron metabolism

Iron is an extremely important element present in all living organisms correspondingly, iron metabolism is well studied. Both iron deficiency and iron excess are origins of serious pathologies (iron-deficit anemias, hereditary hemochromatosis, thalassemia, etc.) associated with the overproduction of oxygen radicals. Free radical-mediated processes, characteristic of these pathologies, are considered in Chapter 31 here we will look at some mechanisms of toxic effects of iron. 

In many crucial biological processes, such as oxygen transport, electron transport, intermediary metabolism, metals play an important part. Therefore, disorders of metal homeostasis, metal bioavailability or toxicity caused by metal excess, are responsible for a large number of human diseases. We have already mentioned disorders of iron metabolism (see Chapter 7) and of copper metabolism (see Chapter 14). The important role, particularly of redox metals such as copper and iron, and also of zinc, in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson s disease, Alzheimer s disease, etc. has also been discussed (see Chapter 18). We will not further discuss them here. 

Chapelle and Lovley (1990) studied anaerobic aquifers of the Atlantic Coastal Plain in South Carolina. The aquifers include Black Creek, Middendorf, and Cape Fear Formations. Groundwater in these aquifers is depleted in dissolved oxygen. Microbial metabolism consumes the organic matter in the aquifer, produces CO2, and reduces ferric iron or sulfate, which are terminal electron acceptors. 

The accompanying table lists the essential elements in the human body. Of special interest are the trace elements, such as iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iodine (I), and cobalt (Co), which together make up about one percent of the body s mass. These elements are necessary for biological functions such as growth, transport of oxygen for metabolism, and defense against disease. There is a delicate balance in the amounts of these elements in our bodies. Too much or too little over an extended period of time can lead to serious illness, retardation, or even death. 

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