Medical expert of the article
New publications
The causes of increase and decrease in transferrin in the blood
Last reviewed: 19.10.2021
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
The main reasons for the decrease in serum transferrin concentration include the inhibition of synthetic processes in hepatocytes in chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, chronic nephropathy, starvation, neoplastic processes, and a significant loss of protein in nephrotic syndrome or small bowel disease. Concentration of transferrin may be increased in iron deficiency anemia, in women with pregnancy in the last trimester and in taking oral contraceptives.
There are 4 types of violations of the content of transferrin in combination with changes in the concentration of iron and OZHSS.
- An increase in the content of transferrin with a decrease in the concentration of iron in the blood serum. A characteristic sign of iron deficiency anemia. Similar changes are observed in pregnancy and in childhood, but they are less pronounced. An increase in the content of transferrin in these cases is associated with an increase in its synthesis.
- Increased concentrations of transferrin and iron in serum. Note when taking oral contraceptives, which is due to the effect of the estrogen contained in them.
- Reduction of the content of transferrin and an increase in the concentration of iron in the blood serum. Such changes are found under conditions that lead to an increase in the amount of iron in the depot (idiopathic hemochromatosis, hypoplastic, hemolytic and megaloblastic anemia), they arise because of inhibition of protein synthesis under the influence of high concentrations of iron.
- Reducing the concentration of transferrin and iron in the blood serum. Observe with many pathological conditions: protein starvation, acute and chronic infections, liver cirrhosis, surgical interventions, tumors, etc.