Transferrin - blood test and what it means

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-18 00:05

Transferrin is a specific substance belonging to a group of proteins. In the human body, it is produced by liver cells and has an important function. We will analyze in more detail what are the indicators of transferrin in the human body and what a deviation from the norm in the blood test means.

The main functions of transferrin in the body

Transferrin refers to the protein structures found in the blood plasma. Its main purpose is to transport iron in the form of ions. Transferrin plays a key role in terms of metabolic processes in the human body.

But there is also a second, albeit indirect, function of this element. This is the stimulation of the immune system, which is especially important in the manifestation of inflammatory processes. Transferrin is transported to this site in the body, resulting in the removal of iron from cellular structures. At the same time, bacteria and pathogenic flora cannot function normally and gradually disappear quantitatively.

The negative effect of an excess of transferrin on the body

Despite the importance of this substance in the body, it also has negative characteristics. Here are the main points to look out for when you have an overabundance of transferrin:

1. The component is capable of binding not only iron ions, but also plutonium ions. As a result of this, a person who has been exposed to increased radiation exposure to this substance experiences an increased radiation load on the body.
2. Moreover, transferrin carries radiation particles not only throughout the bloodstream, but also saturates organs and tissues with them, including bone structures. And this in the most negative way affects the state of health.

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If we talk about the place of production of this protein structure, then these are mainly liver cells and, to a small extent, the brain. After production, the substance enters the bloodstream, where it fulfills its main purpose.

The danger of a lack of transferrin in the body

In a situation where, for a number of reasons, transferrin in the proper amount is not produced in the human body, a pathological chain reaction is triggered. Even with minor deviations, the following situations occur:

1. Iron in the form of ions binds in the bloodstream, forming compounds that are toxic to the body. Slow poisoning occurs.
2. Different organs receive less of this substance, which is necessary for full functioning. This leads to dystrophy.
3. The longer the body experiences a lack of transferrin, the higher the risk of developing anemia. In the most advanced cases, death is possible.

Due to the possible negative consequences for the body, it is necessary to periodically monitor the level of this substance in the blood. This can be done by taking a blood test for transferrin. The doctor will tell you what the results mean and whether symptomatic treatment is needed.

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When is transferrin assay indicated and how is it done?

Most often, doctors prescribe a biomaterial sampling if they suspect such pathologies as:

1. Reducing the desired serum iron concentration.
2. When the transport protein is contained in more than necessary.
3. When transferrin is not saturated with iron.

That is, the indications for a blood test for transferrin are different iron deficiency states. an assessment of its amount in blood plasma or an assessment of parameters by serum is performed. In any case, a person donates blood - always on an empty stomach in the morning.

Certain difficulties arise in the study. Not all laboratories have the necessary test kits that are involved in the detection of transferrin.

Most often, due to the greater ease of determining the parameters, an alternative method is used. It consists in the fact that the laboratory assistant determines the coefficient of transferrin saturation with iron. Thus, the assessment of the iron-binding capacity of the substance is carried out.

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Transferrin blood levels

After the patient passes one or another type of transferrin analysis and receives the result, the specialist compares his indicators with the norm of this substance in the blood (see table):

Age indicators of a person	Transferrin content, g / l
Up to 10 years	2, 03-3, 6
from 10 to 60 years old	2-4
60 and more years	1, 8-3, 8

Transferrin iron saturation is shown in the table below.

Age indicators of a person	Transferrin saturation with iron,%
Up to 14 years old	10-50
from 14 to 60 years old	15-50
60 and more years	8-50

Feature of transferrin saturation with iron in women

Despite the fact that in the above tables there are certain limits, in the interval of which the transport protein should be contained and the saturation of transferrin with iron ions should be estimated, it is nevertheless necessary to pay attention to some characteristics of the organism. For example, women have a certain imbalance in iron content, which is due to the presence of the menstrual cycle, as well as some other hormonal characteristics.

Therefore, despite the strict boundaries, the deviation of these indicators in women, in comparison with men, is allowed by about 10% upwards. The characteristics of the body during pregnancy lead to the fact that the level of transferrin can increase by about one and a half times in relation to the norm. This happens especially often in the third trimester.

But in old age in women, on the contrary, a decrease in the concentration of this substance is observed. Although, this tendency is inherent in both men and women, nevertheless, in females, the imbalance is more pronounced, due to the peculiarities of the hormonal background.

What do the increased and decreased indicators of a substance in the body mean?

The numbers raised from the norm can mean, in both men and children and women, an iron deficiency state, it can occur with increased blood loss. In women, an increased rate may be noted:

• during pregnancy;
• during menstruation;
• when using drugs containing estrogens.

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Reduced rates in adults occur:

1. With inflammatory processes, especially in a chronic form.
2. With the development of oncology.
3. In the event of burns, large wound surfaces, erosion. There is a sharp loss of protein.
4. When taking glucocorticoids, as well as drugs belonging to the androgenic group.
5. For serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis or other similar conditions. This is not surprising, since in such diseases, liver cells are affected, as a result of which the organ is no longer able to fully produce transferrin.
6. With a hereditary predisposition to low production of a substance.
7. With the powerful effect of iron on the body. It can occur with repeated blood transfusions.
8. In a situation where increased absorption of iron is formed in pathologies of the digestive system, as well as in a number of other negative processes in the body.

Considering all these features, it is worth taking into account that the analysis performed to determine the level of transferrin in the blood is a very important manipulation when a number of diseases are suspected.

Outcomes

Transferrin is a substance, an excess or deficiency of which indicates pathologies developing in the body. Therefore, it is so important to donate blood for analysis in order to determine its amount in the bloodstream in case of suspicion of anemia, oncology, liver disease. It is necessary to pay attention not only to the lack, but also to the excess of the substance in the bloodstream.

It is imperative to conduct an examination for the amount of transferrin, taking into account age characteristics and with a separation by gender. In a healthy patient who has neither an overabundance nor a deficiency of this component, the indicator will vary from 25 to 30%.