Biochem/physiol Actions

Deferoxamine is used as a hypoxia-mimetic agent to stabilize Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 (HIF-1). Deferoxamine stabilizes HIF-1 through the inhibition of Prolyl Hydroxylases (PHDs) which target HIF-1 through degradation. The mechanism of deferoxamine inhibition is likely through the chelation of Fe²⁺ bound to the active site of PHD which is required for enzymatic activity.

An iron chelator used often in the studies of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Has been shown to have anti-proliferative effects on vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro and in vivo and to arrest cells in the G1 phase. Also reported to induce p53. Induces apoptosis in HL-60 cells by chelating iron. After 48 hrs treatment with 1µM deferoxamine, DNA fragmentation was apparent. Cells treated with 0.1 µM deferoxamine for as little as 24 hours were committed to apoptosis; by 48 hrs nuclear collapse was observed. In some studies it has been shown to have antioxidant properties and to protect cells against H₂O₂-induced damage.