Vitamin B6 deficiency anemia resembles iron-deficiency anemia but does not activate intestinal HIF2⍺

Experimental Hematology 2026 Open access

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Authors: Adonia Alexopoulos, Rushama Nahiyan, Thaarini Swaminathan, Sushmit Roddur, Nupur Kanti Das, Yatrik Madhukar Shah
DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2025.105367
Cited by: 0
References: 44

Abstract

Microcytic hypochromic anemias, including iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) and vitamin B6-deficiency anemia (B6DA), share similar hematologic features but differ fundamentally in etiology and therapeutic responsiveness. IDA results from insufficient dietary iron, activating adaptive intestinal iron absorption via hypoxia-inducible factor 2⍺ (HIF2⍺), whereas B6DA impairs heme biosynthesis without systemic iron depletion, rendering it refractory to iron therapy. Here, we investigated whether intestinal HIF2⍺ activation distinguishes these anemias. Using mouse models, we established that severe dietary iron restriction (

Fields of Study & Subjects

Iron Metabolism and Disorders Folate and B Vitamins Research Erythropoietin and Anemia Treatment

Publication details

Journal / source
Experimental Hematology
Volume
156
Pages
105367–105367
Publication date
18 January 2026
Language
EN