Eisenbindungsvermögen

Eisenbindungsvermögen, often translated as iron-binding capacity, refers to the ability of a substance or biological fluid to bind iron. In biological contexts, it most commonly refers to the iron-binding capacity of blood serum, which is a measure of the total amount of iron that can be transported by proteins in the plasma. The primary protein responsible for iron transport in serum is transferrin.

Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) is a blood test that measures the total amount of iron that can be bound by transferrin. It is typically measured indirectly by assessing the unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC) and adding it to the serum iron level. A high TIBC can indicate a deficiency in iron, such as in iron deficiency anemia, because the body produces more transferrin in an attempt to capture more iron from available sources. Conversely, a low TIBC can be seen in conditions of iron overload or in certain inflammatory states where transferrin production may be suppressed.

In other contexts, eisenbindungsvermögen might refer to the iron-binding properties of other molecules, such as the iron-sulfur clusters found in proteins involved in electron transport or enzymatic reactions, or the binding of iron by chelating agents used to treat iron overload. The strength and specificity of iron binding are crucial for these functions, ensuring that iron is delivered to where it is needed and sequestered when it is in excess.