Non-Transferrin Bound Iron - Determination in Biological Material and Clinical Implications

Non-transferrin bound iron (NTBI) is known to facilitate reactive oxygen species generation which contributes to the development of tissue damage observed in various disorders like hemolytic anemia, hemochromatosis, diabetes mellitus or many forms of neonatal central nervous system damage. Here we are summarizing information about biochemical nature of NTBI and review methods developed for its detection in biological material. Ability to detect NTBI concentration is likely to become an essential tool when it comes to diagnosis of diseases characterized by excessive iron accumulation. In contrast to routinely used parameters such as transferrin saturation or ferritin concentration, NTBI is not affected by inflammatory responses which makes it a reliable indicator. Unfortunately, we are still lacking validated laboratory methods to detect NTBI in biological fluids.