Alcohol is often included in the differential diagnosis of elevated ferritin.
What are the mechanisms?
See * in graphic.
- Alcohol –> reduced hepcidin –> increased iron absorption.
- Direct (Fe-independent) induction of ferritin expression.
- Alcohol-induced inflammation (IL-6-dependent, Fe-independent induction of ferritin expression).
- Ferritin leak (acute liver injury).
References:
1. Iron and iron‑related proteins in alcohol consumers: cellular and clinical aspects. J Mol Med. 2022;100:1673–168.
2. Decreased hepatic iron in response to alcohol may contribute to alcohol-induced suppression of hepcidin. Br J Nutr. 2016 Jun;115(11):1978-86.
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