Transferrin polymorphism

Goodman, M., A. Kulkarni, E. Poulik, and E. Reklys Species and geographic differences in the transferrin polymorphism of macaques. Science 147, 884 (1965). 

Ascorbate cataboUsm is increased in subjects with iron overload, probably as a result of nonenzymic reactions with bon that is not protein-bound. The transferrin polymorphisms that are associated with susceptibiUty to iron overload result in higher vitamin C requirements for those subjects with high iron status (Kasvosve et al., 2002). 

Kasvosve I, Delanghe JR, Gomo ZA, Gangaidzo IT, Khumalo H, Langlois MR, Moyo VM, Saungweme T, Mvundura E, Boelaert JR, and Gordeuk VR (2002) Effect of transferrin polymorphism on the metabolism of vitamin C in Zimbabwean adults. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 75,321-5. 

Transferrin (Tf) is a Pj-globulin with a molecular mass of approximately 76 kDa. it is a glycoprotein and is synthesized in the liver. About 20 polymorphic forms of transferrin have been found, it plays a central role in the body s metabolism of iron because it transports iron (2 mol of Fe + per mole of Tf) in the circulation to sites where iron is required, eg, from the gut to the bone marrow and other organs. Approximately 200 billion red blood cells (about 20 mL) are catabolized per day, releasing about 25 mg of iron into the body—most of which will be transported by transferrin. 

B7. Blumberg, B. S., Biochemical polymorphisms in animals—haptoglobins and transferrin. Proc. Soc. Exptl. Biol. Med. 104, 25 (1960). 

The Hp 2-2 phenotype is associated with higher serum iron, ferritin, and transferrin saturation, perhaps because of its preferential uptake by CD 163 receptors. Other possible clinical associations of the Hp polymorphism have been reviewed by Langlois and Delanghe. ... 

Human transferrin displays genetic polymorphism with transferrin C being the most common phenotype in all populations, whereas allelic B (lower isoelectric point, p7) and D (higher p7) variants, with a different primary structure but a normal set of glycans, occur at lower frequencies. ... 

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