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The Properties of Therapeutically Useful Iron Chelators

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Iron Physiology and Pathophysiology in Humans

Part of the book series: Nutrition and Health ((NH))

Abstract

Although iron is essential for the proper functioning of all living cells, it is toxic when present in excess. In the presence of molecular oxygen, “loosely bound” iron is able to redox cycle between the two most stable oxidation states, iron(II) and iron(III), thereby generating oxygen-derived free radicals, such as the hydroxyl radical [1]. Hydroxyl radicals are highly reactive and capable of interacting with most types of biological molecules, including sugars, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids, resulting in peroxidative tissue damage [2]. The uncontrolled production of such highly reactive species is undesirable, and thus, a number of protective strategies are adopted by cells to prevent their formation. One of the most important is the tight control of iron storage, transport and distribution. In fact, iron metabolism in man is highly conservative with the majority of iron being recycled within the body. Since man lacks a physiological mechanism for eliminating iron, iron homeostasis is largely achieved by the regulation of iron absorption. In addition, the levels of many of the proteins involved in iron transport, storage and catalysis are controlled by body iron levels.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King’s College, London, UK

    Robert C. Hider Ph.D.

  2. Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King’s College London, London, UK

    Yong Min Ma Ph.D.

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  1. Robert C. Hider Ph.D.
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  2. Yong Min Ma Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Robert C. Hider Ph.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Bancroft Centre, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Herston Road 300, Brisbane, 4029, Queensland, Australia

    Gregory J. Anderson

  2. Dept. Medicine &, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Ctr., University of California, Irvine, East 7th St. 5901, Long Beach, 90822, California, USA

    Gordon D. McLaren

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Hider, R.C., Ma, Y.M. (2012). The Properties of Therapeutically Useful Iron Chelators. In: Anderson, G., McLaren, G. (eds) Iron Physiology and Pathophysiology in Humans. Nutrition and Health. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-485-2_27

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-485-2_27

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