Haemosiderin

Haemosiderin is a hemosiderin, a protein that accumulates in tissues and cells as a result of the breakdown of red blood cells. It is a product of the degradation of hemoglobin, which is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.

When red blood cells are destroyed, their hemoglobin is broken down and the resulting hemosiderin is stored in the tissues. This stored hemosiderin can create a brownish discoloration in the skin and organs, particularly in the spleen, liver, and lymph nodes.

Haemosiderin is found in people of all ages, and its presence in tissues is a normal response to the constant turnover of red blood cells in the body. However, in some cases, the accumulation of hemosiderin can be a sign of certain health conditions. For example, excessive accumulation of hemosiderin in the liver and spleen can be seen in disorders such as hemochromatosis, a genetic disorder that leads to excessive iron absorption.

In addition, hemosiderin can also accumulate in the brain and other organs as a result of conditions such as thalassemia, a genetic disorder that affects the production of hemoglobin. In some cases, the accumulation of hemosiderin in the brain can lead to neurological problems and cognitive impairment.

In general, the presence of haemosiderin in tissues is usually diagnosed through a variety of tests, including histological examination, electron microscopy, and laboratory tests that measure iron levels in the body. Treatment for conditions associated with excessive accumulation of hemosiderin typically involves addressing the underlying condition, and in some cases, may involve medication to reduce iron levels in the body.