Protoporphyrin IX

protoporphyrin IX

n.

A porphyrin derivative that combines with ferrous iron to form the heme of hemoglobin and with ferric or ferrous iron to form the prosthetic groups of substances such as myoglobin, catalase, and the cytochromes.

---

Protoporphyrin IX

Protoporphyrin IX is a protein. The measurement of this protein is useful for the assessment of iron status. Hemoglobin consists of a complex of a protein plus heme. Heme consists of iron plus protoporphyrin IX. Normally, during the course of red blood cell formation, protoporphyrin IX acquires iron, to generate heme, and the heme becomes incorporated into hemoglobin. However, in iron deficiency, protophoryrin IX builds up.

Mentioned in: Iron Deficiency Anemia