New Perspectives on the Impact of Iron Chelation Therapy on the Gut Microbiome in Thalassemia Patients

Thalassemia, a genetic condition characterized by defective hemoglobin synthesis, is often managed with transfusion therapy, which can lead to iron overload—a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality due to organ damage and pathogenic infections. Iron chelation therapy, the cornerstone of...

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Main Authors: Sara Deumić, Neira Crnčević, Mirsada Hukić, Muamer Dizdar, Monia Avdić
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-02-01
Series:Thalassemia Reports
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4365/15/1/2
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author Sara Deumić
Neira Crnčević
Mirsada Hukić
Muamer Dizdar
Monia Avdić
author_facet Sara Deumić
Neira Crnčević
Mirsada Hukić
Muamer Dizdar
Monia Avdić
author_sort Sara Deumić
collection DOAJ
description Thalassemia, a genetic condition characterized by defective hemoglobin synthesis, is often managed with transfusion therapy, which can lead to iron overload—a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality due to organ damage and pathogenic infections. Iron chelation therapy, the cornerstone of managing iron toxicity, may inadvertently influence the gut microbiome, a critical modulator of immunity and metabolism. This review provides new insights into the interplay between iron chelation therapy and gut microbiome dynamics in thalassemia patients. It synthesizes findings on how chelators such as deferoxamine, deferasirox, and deferiprone influence microbial composition, iron availability, and systemic inflammation. Emerging evidence highlights alterations in gut microbial diversity, with reduced beneficial taxa and increased pathogenic populations, driven by changes in luminal iron levels. This imbalance contributes to immune dysregulation, systemic inflammation, and susceptibility to infections. The review advocates for tailored treatment strategies that integrate microbiome-targeted interventions alongside traditional chelation therapy to improve patient outcomes. By combining genetic profiling, dietary adjustments, and microbiome modulation, this approach offers a promising avenue for personalized medicine in thalassemia care.
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spelling doaj-art-6b3744e091ec457c80cf6b136fa9a16d2025-08-20T01:48:54ZengMDPI AGThalassemia Reports2039-43652025-02-01151210.3390/thalassrep15010002New Perspectives on the Impact of Iron Chelation Therapy on the Gut Microbiome in Thalassemia PatientsSara Deumić0Neira Crnčević1Mirsada Hukić2Muamer Dizdar3Monia Avdić4Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, International Burch University, Francuske Revolucije bb, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and HerzegovinaDepartment of Genetics and Bioengineering, International Burch University, Francuske Revolucije bb, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and HerzegovinaAcademy of Sciences and Arts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Center for Disease Control and Geohealth Studies, Bistrik 7, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and HerzegovinaFaculty of Science, University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and HerzegovinaDepartment of Genetics and Bioengineering, International Burch University, Francuske Revolucije bb, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and HerzegovinaThalassemia, a genetic condition characterized by defective hemoglobin synthesis, is often managed with transfusion therapy, which can lead to iron overload—a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality due to organ damage and pathogenic infections. Iron chelation therapy, the cornerstone of managing iron toxicity, may inadvertently influence the gut microbiome, a critical modulator of immunity and metabolism. This review provides new insights into the interplay between iron chelation therapy and gut microbiome dynamics in thalassemia patients. It synthesizes findings on how chelators such as deferoxamine, deferasirox, and deferiprone influence microbial composition, iron availability, and systemic inflammation. Emerging evidence highlights alterations in gut microbial diversity, with reduced beneficial taxa and increased pathogenic populations, driven by changes in luminal iron levels. This imbalance contributes to immune dysregulation, systemic inflammation, and susceptibility to infections. The review advocates for tailored treatment strategies that integrate microbiome-targeted interventions alongside traditional chelation therapy to improve patient outcomes. By combining genetic profiling, dietary adjustments, and microbiome modulation, this approach offers a promising avenue for personalized medicine in thalassemia care.https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4365/15/1/2thalassemiairon chelationiron overloadmicrobiome
spellingShingle Sara Deumić
Neira Crnčević
Mirsada Hukić
Muamer Dizdar
Monia Avdić
New Perspectives on the Impact of Iron Chelation Therapy on the Gut Microbiome in Thalassemia Patients
Thalassemia Reports
thalassemia
iron chelation
iron overload
microbiome
title New Perspectives on the Impact of Iron Chelation Therapy on the Gut Microbiome in Thalassemia Patients
title_full New Perspectives on the Impact of Iron Chelation Therapy on the Gut Microbiome in Thalassemia Patients
title_fullStr New Perspectives on the Impact of Iron Chelation Therapy on the Gut Microbiome in Thalassemia Patients
title_full_unstemmed New Perspectives on the Impact of Iron Chelation Therapy on the Gut Microbiome in Thalassemia Patients
title_short New Perspectives on the Impact of Iron Chelation Therapy on the Gut Microbiome in Thalassemia Patients
title_sort new perspectives on the impact of iron chelation therapy on the gut microbiome in thalassemia patients
topic thalassemia
iron chelation
iron overload
microbiome
url https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4365/15/1/2
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