SURFACE EXPRESSION OF GRANSFERRIN RECEPTOR ON PERIPERAL BLOOD LYMPHOCYTES IN IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA

Abstract

Transferrin receptor (TfR) is a disulphide linked glycoprotein which can be found in two forms; the cell surface bound form and the circulating form in serum. TfR are present on proliferating cells; normal and malignant. Decreased TfRs levels on peripheral blood lymphocytes have been reported in iron deficiency anemia (IDA). We looked at the mean expression of TfRs on peripheral blood lymphocytes in 40 children with IDA, further division of the cases into 2 subgroups depending on Hb level, 26 patients with Hb ;:: 8.6 g/dl (group A) and 14 patients with J-Ib < 8.6 g/dl (group B) and 15 control subjects. Mean expression ofTfRs in group A was significantly higher than group B but both values were significantly lower than control group (p< 0.0 I).

A significantly positive correlation was found between CD71 expression in cases group with RBCs, Hb, MCV, MCH, MCI-IC, ferritin and TS%. A significantly positive correlation was found between CD71 expression in group A with l-Ib, MCI-1, MCI-IC and ferritin. A significantly positive correlation was found between CD71 expression in group B with Hb, MCV and TS%.