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Causes of increased and decreased transferrin in blood
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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The main causes of decreased serum transferrin concentration include inhibition of synthetic processes in hepatocytes in chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, chronic nephropathy, starvation, neoplastic processes, as well as significant protein loss in nephrotic syndrome or small intestinal diseases. Transferrin concentration may be elevated in iron deficiency anemia, in women during pregnancy in the last trimester, and when taking oral contraceptives.
There are 4 types of transferrin content disorders in combination with changes in iron concentration and TIBC.
- Increased transferrin content with decreased iron concentration in the blood serum. A characteristic feature of iron deficiency anemia. Similar changes are observed during pregnancy and childhood, but they are less pronounced. Increased transferrin content in these cases is associated with increased synthesis.
- Increased concentrations of transferrin and iron in the blood serum. Noted when taking oral contraceptives, which is associated with the action of the estrogens they contain.
- Decreased transferrin levels and increased serum iron concentrations. Such changes are found under conditions that lead to an increase in iron in the depot (idiopathic hemochromatosis, hypoplastic, hemolytic, and megaloblastic anemias), and they occur as a result of inhibition of protein synthesis under the influence of high iron concentrations.
- Decreased concentration of transferrin and iron in the blood serum. Observed in many pathological conditions: protein starvation, acute and chronic infections, liver cirrhosis, surgical interventions, tumors, etc.