ABSTRACT
Taken together, these observations suggest that mechanisms to sequester iron have evolved as part of the host response to infection. It is possible that ACD represents a side effect of this response when it persists over a period of months. (1)
INTRODUCTION
Excessive and misplaced iron in specific cells and tissues promotes infection, neoplasia, cardiomyopathy, arthropathy and an array of endocrine and neurodegenerative diseases. Vertebrate hosts maintain an iron withholding defense system
designed to: (a) prevent accumulation of nonprotein bound (free) iron in sensitive sites and (b) sequester the metal in innocuous packages. Manifestations of iron withholding are most evident in defense against diseases that are associated with known (or yet to be discovered) microbial cell invaders, with neoplastic cell invaders, and with other inflammatory conditions.
