Iron is an important element for many of the body's functions. It is an integral component of the hemoglobin molecule, the protein inside red blood cells that binds oxygen for transport to the tissues. Certain conditions can cause an overload of iron in the body, which then deposits in organs like the liver. Excess iron in the liver can increase damage to this organ, causing an elevation of the liver enzymes.
Liver enzymes
The liver cells contain several enzymes that work in the liver's roles of detoxifying the blood from toxins and other substances, as well as helping the body in the breakdown of nutrients. The most commonly measured liver enzymes are alanine aminotransferase, or ALT, and aspartate aminotransferase, or AST. These enzymes leak out of the liver cells into the bloodstream as a result of liver damage or inflammation. Excess levels of iron can also lead to liver damage and elevation of the liver enzymes.
Causes of iron overload
Iron overload can be caused by inherited or genetic conditions, as well as by excess iron injections, by consuming high levels of iron supplements, or as a result of multiple blood transfusions. Conditions that result in excess iron deposits in the liver include hemochromatosis, which causes abnormally high absorption of iron from the digestive tract; and disorders like sickle cells disease, which cause the breakdown of red blood cells, freeing up excess hemoglobin and iron in the bloodstream.
Symptoms of iron overload
Iron overload can cause joint pain, fatigue, abdominal pain, and changes in your menstrual period and your libido. The iron accumulates under your skin, giving it a distinctive bronze hue. Iron overload can also cause hepatitis, or inflammation of the liver, which results in tiredness, right-sided abdominal pain, and liver cirrhosis, which causes an increase in liver enzymes. Excess iron can affect your thyroid and adrenal glands, and also cause hair loss, depression, and arrhythmias, or abnormal heart rhythms.
Treatment
Iron overload requires iron reduction therapy. This can be accomplished by phlebotomy, or frequent removal of blood, if the patient is not anemic. If the patient is anemic, iron chelation therapy may be indicated. Iron chelation consists of he removal of excess iron by certain drugs, called chelating agents. One drug that accomplishes this is called deferrioxamine.
