HFE gene in primary and secondary hepatic iron overload

Table 6 Secondary iron overload: common features and differences

Common features

1 Mixed distribution of hepatic iron (parenchymal and reticuloendothelial)

2 Mild to moderate iron overload in most cases, rarely severe iron overload

3 Phlebotomy possibly improves the course of disease and response to therapy

Differences

1 C282Y: accepted role in PCT, possible cofactor in CHC and NAFLD (especially in populations of Northern European descent)

2 H63D: unclear role in NAFLD and PCT

3 No role for HFE mutations in ALD or CHB

PCT: porphyria cutanea tarda; CHC: chronic hepatitis C; NAFLD: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; ALD: alcoholic liver disease; CHB: chronic hepatitis B; CLDs: chronic liver diseases.