E-Book

E-Book 3rd Congress

  • Iron Metabolism and its Impact on Cancer Diagnosis
  • Issa Layali,1 Parastoo Einali,2,* Asal Naderali,3
    1. Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Faculty of Advanced Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University
    2. Faculty of Advanced Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University
    3. Faculty of Advanced Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University


  • Introduction: The presence of iron in our body is vital for the synthesis of proteins that are involved in crucial functions such as oxygen transportation, energy production from food, and DNA replication. Iron metabolism includes firmly controlled cellular take-up, capacity, export mechanisms of exportation and utilization. Iron has the potential to either promote tumor growth or induce cell death due to its various properties. Cancer cells have a higher demand for iron than healthy cells. The macrophages provide cancer cells with iron, enhancing the growth of the tumor. Several research efforts have studied the relationship between iron regulation in the body and the accelerated growth of tumors in high iron conditions. In addition, developing investigate has shed light on the complicated relationship between iron metabolism and cancer, manifesting its potential effect on cancer diagnosis and treatment.
  • Methods: An extensive literature search was administrated to identify related investigations on the connection between iron metabolism and cancer diagnosis. Electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Science direct, were queried from [November 19th 2023] to [December 25th 2023]. The search utilized a combination of keywords such as "iron metabolism," "cancer diagnosis," and related MeSH terms. Prohibition criteria enveloped studies not specifically tending to the required relationship or missing pivotal data. Starting screening included assessing titles and abstracts, taken after by a full-text revision of potential articles. Criteria included methodology, sample size, study design, and meticulousness of iron metabolism and cancer diagnosis evaluation. Two autonomous reviewers performed the quality evaluation and discrepancies were resolved by agreement. A narrative synthesis method was utilized to coordinate and decipher discoveries from the chosen studies. Key subjects, patterns, and suggestions with respect to the effect of iron metabolism on cancer diagnosis were distinguished and examined.
  • Results: A prominent subject over the surveyed literature determines substantial alterations in iron metabolism in the context of various cancer types. Recent investigations have consistently indicated disruptions in iron homeostasis, determined by dysregulation of hepcidin expression, ferritin levels and iron transporters. The synthesis of results highlights the potential of iron-related biomarkers in cancer diagnosis. Enhanced serum ferritin levels are commonly associated with certain types of cancer, serving as a potential demonstrative indicator. Moreover, studies have pointed out the symptomatic importance of investigating iron metabolism at the molecular level, involving iron-related qualities in cancer detection. A developing trend within the writing emphasized the part of iron imaging methods in cancer diagnosis. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and other iron-sensitive imaging modalities have shown promise in identifying and characterizing tumors according to their special iron signatures. This non-invasive method has opened a new avenue to improve cancer diagnosis.
  • Conclusion: In conclusion, our narrative review dives into the complicated interactions between iron metabolism and cancer diagnosis, shedding light on multifaceted connections that expand past conventional points of view. The synthesis of writing reports compelling proof of modifications in iron homeostasis over different cancer sorts, underscoring the symptomatic potential of iron-related biomarkers. The observed increase in serum ferritin levels appears to be a consistent theme, suggesting its role as a promising diagnostic indicator for certain cancers. Nevertheless, the discovery of iron-related genes and the application of iron-sensitive imaging techniques offer inventive avenues for improving diagnostic methods. As we navigate the various aspects of iron metabolism and its implications in cancer diagnosis, it is clear that this dynamic relationship offers opportunities for personalized and targeted interventions. Future investigate ought to point to elucidate the nuances of iron dysregulation that characterize different cancer types, thereby promoting the development of appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Ultimately, this narrative review contributes to our understanding of the evolving landscape of iron metabolism within the context of cancer diagnosis. By synthesizing assorted findings, we hope to motivate proceeded discovery and collaboration across disciplines, paving the way for progressions in precision medicine and cancer diagnostic procedures improvements.
  • Keywords: Iron Metabolism, Cancer Diagnosis