The Role of Iron in Chronic and Malignancies (2610)

Prof.dr.sc. Ines Drenjančević

Faculty of Medicine, J.J. Strossmayer University of Osijek

Understand the role of iron in the development and progression of chronic and malignant diseases.

1. Mechanism of toxic action of iron. Free iron ions (nonprotein-bound iron ions) reduce superoxide, and the resulting ferro form of iron is reoxidized in the presence of peroxide, which creates ferri ions and hydroxyl radical, which damages all biological macromolecules. Hydroxyl radical can depolymerize polysaccharides, damage a DNA molecule, inactivate enzymes and cause lipid peroxidation.
2. Diseases that can be caused by excess iron. The consequence of the elevated amount of iron in a particular tissue can be: infection, arrhythmia-cardiomyopathy, arthrosis, diabetes, cirrhosis and liver cancer, tumors, and various endocrines (impotence) and neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. depression, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease).
3. Ways to remove excess iron. The organism has developed endogenous systems to remove excess iron, but there are also treatments that can reduce the accumulation of excess iron in the body.
4. Prophylactic and therapeutic possibilities. We will show two ways: 1. Special aspects of preventing the accumulation of excess iron in the body, 2. Pharmacological methods to help patients with excess iron.
5. Experimental evidence of the antitumor effect of some iron compounds. Iron and iron compounds can damage and inhibit the growth of a normal and malignant cell. Iron is an essential nutrient for tumor cells that divide uncontrollably. However, too much catalytic iron (by creating free oxygen radicals) can devastate a tumor cell.

1. To analyse the mechanism of toxic effects of iron on the organism.
2. Assess which diseases may arise due to excess iron.
3. Identify ways to remove excess iron from the body.
4. Review prophylactic and therapeutic options for preventing the accumulation and treatment of excess iron.
5. Critically question the experimental evidence of the antitumor effect of some iron compounds.

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The success of the course will be evaluated annually by the joint expert committee of the Ruđer Boskovic Institute, the University of Dubrovnik and the University of Josip Juraj Strossmayer in Osijek based on exam success and surveys.