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Transferrin

12 Azn
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Transferrin is the main iron transport protein in blood plasma. It is produced in the liver from amino acids absorbed from food during digestion. Transferrin transports iron from dietary intake or released from red blood cell breakdown to organs and tissues such as the liver and spleen. It has the ability to bind more iron than its own weight.

  • Fasting for at least 8 hours before the test (only still water is allowed).
  • Discontinue iron-containing supplements at least 72 hours before the test.
  • Avoid physical and emotional stress30 minutes before the test.
  • Do not smoke for 30 minutes before the test.
  • Comprehensive assessment of iron metabolism
  • Evaluation of iron stores in the body
  • Differentiation of anemia caused by iron deficiency, chronic disease, or vitamin B12 deficiency
  • Assessment of liver function
  • Investigation of abnormal blood test results (hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell count)
  • Diagnosis of suspected iron deficiency or iron overload
  • Detection of iron overload disorders such as hereditary hemochromatosis, with symptoms like joint pain, abdominal pain, weakness, fatigue, low libido, and irregular heart rhythms
  • Assessment of chronic liver disease or intestinal malabsorption disorders

Causes of Increased Transferrin Levels

  • Iron-deficiency anemia – Usually due to chronic blood loss or insufficient meat consumption
  • Third trimester of pregnancy – A normal physiological adaptation as iron levels decrease and transferrin production increases

Causes of Decreased Transferrin Levels

  • Chronic diseases – Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, bacterial endocarditis, Crohn’s disease, and others
  • Protein deficiency, intestinal malabsorption, chronic liver disease, or severe burns
  • Chronic inflammatory bowel disease
  • Poor nutrition
  • Hereditary hemochromatosis – A genetic disorder leading to excess iron absorption from food, causing iron accumulation in organs
  • Thalassemia – A genetic blood disorder altering hemoglobin structure and causing anemia
  • Acute liver disease
  • Liver cirrhosis – Severe scarring of the liver leads to decreased transferrin production
  • Glomerulonephritis – Inflammation of kidney tissue affecting iron metabolism
  • Incorrect iron supplementation (overuse or high doses of iron supplements)
  • Congenital transferrin deficiency

Factors That May Affect Test Results

  • Estrogen and oral contraceptives may increase transferrin levels
  • ACTH, corticosteroids, and testosterone may decrease transferrin levels
  • In iron deficiency, transferrin levels increase to maximize the transport of the limited iron supply
  • Liver disease (especially cirrhosis) reduces transferrin production due to scar tissue formation