Ferritin, a 450 kDa protein, is an iron storage protein containing up to 4,500 iron atoms in a molecule. It is found in many tissues but has its highest concentration in the spleen, liver, red marrow, small intestinal mucosa and muscle. The serum level of ferritin is an indirect measure of the amount of iron in the blood making it an important marker in anemia and iron metabolism research. Liver disease or malignant tumors can cause an abnormal elevation of serum ferritin levels.
- References to Ferritin