Transferrin is low

Transferrin is a very important protein in the body and is the main iron-containing protein in our blood. The role of transferrin determines its function. Once the content fluctuates, increases or decreases, it may be a sign of disease. There are many possible reasons for low transferrin levels, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, hemorrhagic fever, etc., which require further examination to confirm the diagnosis.

TRF has a molecular weight of approximately 77,000 and is a single-chain glycoprotein with a sugar content of approximately 6%. TRF reversibly binds multivalent ions including iron, copper, zinc, cobalt, etc. Each TRF molecule can bind two trivalent iron atoms. TRF is mainly synthesized by hepatocytes and has a half-life of 7 days. The concentration of TRF in plasma is regulated by iron supply. In the state of iron deficiency, the concentration of plasma TRF increases and returns to normal levels after effective iron treatment.

The level of TRF in plasma can be used for the diagnosis of anemia and monitoring of treatment. In iron-deficiency hypochromic anemia, TRF levels are elevated (due to increased synthesis), but iron saturation is low (normal values ​​are 30%-38%). In contrast, if the anemia is due to impaired utilization of iron by red blood cells (such as aplastic anemia), the plasma TRF is normal or low, but the iron saturation is increased. In cases of iron overload, TRF levels are normal, but the saturation may exceed 50% or even reach 90%.

TRF is often decreased during the acute phase response. Therefore, in inflammation and malignant lesions, albumin and prealbumin often decrease simultaneously. It also decreases in chronic liver disease and malnutrition, so it can be used as an indicator of nutritional status.

Pregnancy and oral contraceptives or estrogen injections can increase plasma TRF.

Antibody-grade standards are available for use with immunoassay kits. Detection by immunodiffusion or turbidimetry. The normal reference value for adults is 2200-4000mg/L. For newborns it is 1300-2750mg/L. Serum iron content and TRF iron-binding capacity (TIBC) are often measured simultaneously during clinical evaluation, and the TRF iron saturation (%) can be calculated. TRF can also be indirectly calculated and estimated through measurement. The calculation formula is as follows:

TRF (mg/L) = TIBC (μg/L) × 0.70

Aliases

Serum transferrin, TF

Reduce: infectious diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, primary liver cancer, kidney disease, uremia, hereditary transferrin deficiency, hemorrhagic fever, hemochromatosis, aplastic anemia, chronic hemolytic anemia, systemic lupus erythematosus, etc.