From the Research
Correlation between Ferritin and Interleukin Levels
- The relationship between low ferritin levels and decreased Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and Interleukin-18 (IL-18) levels is complex and not directly addressed in the provided studies.
- However, study 1 found that anaemia of chronic disease in AA amyloidosis is associated with elevated levels of circulating IL-1β and IL-18, suggesting a positive correlation between these interleukins and disease severity.
- In contrast, study 2 showed that IL-1β increases binding of the iron regulatory protein and the synthesis of ferritin by increasing the labile iron pool, indicating a potential link between IL-1β and ferritin regulation.
- Study 3 found no significant correlation between the rise of ferritin and the levels of IL-18 in COVID-19 patients, suggesting that these markers may play distinct roles in different stages of the disease course.
Regulation of Ferritin and Interleukin Levels
- Study 4 demonstrated that low-dose IL-2 subcutaneous immunotherapy decreases ferritin mean levels and increases transferrin values in cancer patients, suggesting a cytokine regulation of iron metabolism.
- Study 5 argued that serum ferritin arises from damaged cells and is a marker of cellular damage, which may be related to inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Study 2 proposed that the cytokine-induced increase in the labile iron pool stimulates ferritin synthesis, resulting in a subsequent decrease in the labile iron pool.
Clinical Implications
- The studies suggest that ferritin and interleukin levels may be useful biomarkers for disease severity and prognosis in various conditions, including COVID-19 and AA amyloidosis 1, 3.
- Measuring these biomarkers during disease progression may help target them at the right time and refine decision-making regarding hospitalization 3.