Demydchuk A. S., Kondaurova A. Yu.

CELLULAR AND MORPHOLOGICAL MECHANISMS OF IRON ABSORPTION IN THE DIGESTIVE TRACT

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About the author:

Demydchuk A. S., Kondaurova A. Yu.

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LITERATURE REVIEWS

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Scientific article

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Iron absorption in the gastrointestinal tract is a critical phase in maintaining systemic homeostasis of this trace element, as the human body lacks active excretory mechanisms, and impaired absorption invariably leads to defi ciency states. The efficiency of iron uptake is governed by the coordinated interaction of specific cell populations within the small intestine mucosa and their complex morphological organization. This study aims to summarize the current understanding of the cellular and morphological mechanisms of iron absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, emphasizing the role of key cellular components in iron transport and met abolic regulation. Enterocytes of the proximal small intestine play a pivotal role in iron uptake; their apical membranes facilitate the reduction and transport of non-heme iron via specific transporters. Once inside the cell, iron is either sequestered within ferritin or exported across the basolateral membrane through ferroportin, which serves as the central regu latory link in the absorption process. The morphological features of the mucosa—specifically the microvilli, tight intercellular junctions, and the highly vascularized architecture of the villi—establish optimal conditions for iron transit into the bloodstream. Further more, endothelial cells within the submucosal layer facilitate the redistribution of iron and its entry into the systemic circulation, ensuring physiological adaptation to the body's requirements. In conclusion, iron absorption is a multilevel process predicated on the synergy between the cellular and morpho logical components of the intestinal wall. Consequently, any disruption to their structural integrity may precipitate the development of iron deficiency states.

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Publication of the article:

«Bulletin of problems biology and medicine», 2026 Issue 1, 180, 54-61 pages, index UDC 611.018.1:611.34:612.392.64

DOI:

10.29254/2077-4214-2026-1-180-54-61