After being stored in the form of ferritin, iron can be used in different processes, such as in the synthesis of hemoglobin and in the hematopoietic process. It has been shown that the consumption of more than 80 grams of alcohol daily can inhibit the glycosylation of some glycoproteins, including transferrin. This can occur in surgeries, neoplasms, infections, post-traumatic inflammation and any process that triggers the acute phase reactants. As a result, low plasma levels are found. 253 (6): 1930-7. ©1996-2020 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Transferrin: A plasma protein that transports iron through the blood to the liver, spleen and bone marrow. When the pathology exists, they are usually above 50%, 20% more than the expected normal value. Atransferrinemia can be effectively treated by plasma infusions of transferrin. The normal range for transferrin is 170 to 370 mg/dl. Conventionally, liver biopsy with iron quantification was used as a confirmatory test. Retrieved from: intramed.net, Emanuela Tolosano. Because its half-life is short compared to other proteins synthesized in the liver such as albumin, its measurement in plasma is a reliable indicator of the ability of the liver to synthesize. PMID 204636 Retrieved from: jbc.org. The 5 main causes of low transferrin 1- Malnutrition More than treatment, in some cases it is about correction measures in eating habits and alcoholics. "Stoichiometric and site characteristics of the binding of iron to human transferrin". This iron is transported by transferrin, and then stored in the liver, spleen and bone marrow. Low transferrin level means the body is absorbing more iron then needed. Transferrin saturation is the preferred screening test for HH. General medicine. US National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health. We use cookies to provide our online service. Because transferrin is synthesized mainly in the liver, the causes of its decrease in plasma are mainly those that may affect liver function. 05/13/2016 Retrieved from: com, Alison U Kelly, Stephen T McSorley, Prinesh Patel BMJ 2017; 357: j2513. Therefore, it allows the passage of large molecules that normally would not pass through the glomerulus, such as albumin proteins, gamma globulins and transferrin. Retrieved from: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, Aisen P, Leibman A, Zweier J (Mar 1978). Terms of Use. Retrieved from: com, Medical Definition of Transferrin. Levels may vary slightly between laboratories, due to differences in equipment, techniques, and chemicals used. If you have a lower level, you may have another problem, such as liver disease and hemolytic anemia. The iron damage to the heart can lead to heart failure. In case the low levels of transferrin in blood are due to an excess of iron in the organism, the treatment will be destined to the decrease of iron.