TB or not TB? Soft pity opens the iron gates Comment

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Malaria is a cause of iron deficiency in African children

John Muthii Muriuki et al.

Summary: The study found a significant association between genetically predicted malaria risk and the prevalence of iron deficiency in African children, with a potential 49% reduction in ID if malaria episodes are halved as an intervention. Using HbAS as an instrumental variable in Mendelian randomization analyses, a 30% reduction in ID risk was observed in children living in malaria-endemic areas.

NATURE MEDICINE (2021)

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Article Cell & Tissue Engineering

Human Erythroid Progenitors Are Directly Infected by SARS-CoV-2: Implications for Emerging Erythropoiesis in Severe COVID-19 Patients

Hector Huerga Encabo et al.

Summary: This study demonstrates that severe COVID-19 patients in intensive care experience a significant decline in hemoglobin levels but an increase in circulating nucleated red cells, indicating a possible induction of stress erythropoiesis by SARS-CoV-2 infection. The research also shows that ACE2 expression peaks during erythropoiesis, making erythroid progenitors susceptible to infection by the virus. Furthermore, the study identifies early erythroid progenitors as the primary target cells for SARS-CoV-2 infection during erythropoiesis, highlighting how the virus can impact the clinical symptoms of severe COVID-19 patients.

STEM CELL REPORTS (2021)

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Article Hematology

Iron homeostasis during anemia of inflammation: a prospective study of patients with tuberculosis

Colin Cercamondi et al.

Summary: Anemia of inflammation is a common feature in tuberculosis patients, with elevated levels of erythroferrone unable to suppress hepcidin. Iron absorption remains negligible during tuberculosis treatment, but improves significantly after completion of treatment, indicating that supplementation should be considered for patients remaining anemic post-treatment.

BLOOD (2021)

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Article Respiratory System