Question

1. Using your knowledge of nutritional physiology and creative thought processes, explain the ramifications to human metabolism and health if the liver was lacking HFE protein.

Answer 1

Ans:

Human homeostatic iron regulator protein (HFE protein) found on the surface liver cells. HFE regulates the production of an protein called hepcidin-an iron specific regulatory hormone. It acts as sensor of hepatocyte iron levels. Lack of HFE protein causes hereditary hemochromatosis-an iron overload disorder that is identified by excessive accumulation of iron in liver.

Iron overload causes tissue damage, impaired mitochondrial function, weakened lysosomal membranes with enzymes released into the cytoplasm and increased free radical formation causes lipid peroxidation of cell membranes.The duration of iron accumulation is associated with development of fibrosis and substantial iron accumulation in liver cells lead to organ damage.

Iron is an essential micronutrient for the human body. It has important roles in oxygen transport, oxidative phosphorylation and other enzymatic functions. As a result of excess tissue iron oxygen transport, oxidative phosphorylation and other enzymatic functions are impaired.