Transferrin transports iron
- The binding of ferric ions (Fe3+) to transferrin protects against the toxic effects of these ions.
- In inflammatory reactions, the iron–transferrin complex is degraded by the reticuloendothelial system without a corresponding increase in the synthesis of either of its components; this results in low plasma concentrations of transferrin and iron.
Ferritin:
- It’s the major iron storage protein found in almost all cells of the body.
- Ferritin acts as the reserve of iron in the liver and bone marrow. The concentration of ferritin in plasma is proportional to the amount of stored iron; therefore measurement of plasma ferritin is one of the best indicators of iron deficiency.
Transferrin and Ferritin
