Iron metabolism and HIV infection: reciprocal interactions with potentially harmful consequences?

• Published in: Cell biochemistry and function Vol. 17; no. 4; pp. 279 - 287
• Main Authors: Savarino, Andrea, Pescarmona, Gian Piero, Boelaert, Johan R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester, UK John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 01.12.1999
• Subjects: Animals; Disease Progression; HIV; HIV - physiology; HIV Infections - blood; HIV Infections - metabolism; HIV Infections - virology; Human immunodeficiency virus; Humans; immune system; infection; iron; Iron - blood; Iron - metabolism; iron-chelating drugs; Virus Replication

Humans with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection present some evidence suggestive of iron accumulation. Ferritin concentrations increase with HIV disease progression, and iron accumulates in several tissues. Iron excess may exert negative effects in individuals with HIV. Indeed, iro...