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What is the difference between ferritin and hemosiderin?
Ferritin is a protein with a capacity of about 4500 iron (III) ions per protein molecule. This is the major form of iron storage. If the capacity for storage of iron in ferritin is exceeded, a complex of iron with phosphate and hydroxide forms. This is called hemosiderin; it is physiologically available.
What hemosiderin means?
: a yellowish-brown, iron-containing, granular pigment that is found within cells (such as macrophages), is composed chiefly of aggregates of ferritin, and is typically associated with bleeding and the breakdown of red blood cells (as in hemolytic anemia)
What is the role of hemosiderin?
Hemosiderin or haemosiderin is an iron-storage complex that is composed of partially digested ferritin and lysosomes. The breakdown of heme gives rise to biliverdin and iron. The body then traps the released iron and stores it as hemosiderin in tissues.
Where is hemosiderin found?
Hemosiderin (iron-positive, golden brown granules) is normally found in macrophages primarily in the red pulp but also within the marginal zone to a lesser degree.
What should my ferritin level be?
The normal range for ferritin in your blood serum is: 20 to 250 ng/mL for adult males. 10 to 120 ng/mL for adult females, 18 to 39 years. 12 to 263 ng/mL for females, 40 years and older.
Is hemosiderin serious?
Is hemosiderin staining dangerous? Hemosiderin staining is more than an eye sore. While pigmentation itself isn’t a problem, the conditions that cause the discoloration are often serious.
Will hemosiderin go away?
The discoloration from hemosiderin staining can be permanent. If you recognize the underlying cause early and start managing the condition, the stains may fade somewhat over time. There are skin creams that can lighten dark spots, such as creams containing hydroquinone. Your doctor can prescribe that for you.
What does ferritin level tell you?
Ferritin is a blood protein that contains iron. A ferritin test helps your doctor understand how much iron your body stores. If a ferritin test reveals that your blood ferritin level is lower than normal, it indicates your body’s iron stores are low and you have iron deficiency. As a result, you could be anemic.
What cancers cause elevated ferritin levels?
In addition to breast cancer, the serum ferritin level has also been found to be elevated in patients with lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal cancer, leukemia, and lymphoma, and the level was closely associated with the prognosis.
How do you get rid of hemosiderin?
Treatment for Hemosiderin Staining There are skin creams that can lighten dark spots, such as creams containing hydroquinone. Your doctor can prescribe that for you. You can also try laser treatment or intense pulsed light (IPL) to fade the discoloration.