Figure 3From: Polymeric nanocarriers for the treatment of systemic iron overload Excess labile iron causes damage to the body’s organ systems. Chronic transfusion therapy results in the saturation of serum transferrin and the development of toxic iron pools in cells and tissues. NTBI in the plasma and labile cellular iron (LCI) react with cellular membranes and organelles, causing peroxidation, DNA damage and protein dysfunction. The liver, heart, pancreas and other endocrine organs are most commonly damaged. These events ultimately lead to organ dysfunction, failure and death if left untreated.Back to article page