Fig. 2
From: Iron as an emerging therapeutic target in critically ill patients
Nonexhaustive representation of the common etiologic factors for intensive care unit admissions each linked to confirmed or presumed NTBI liberation. Pathologies highlighted in black and dark red are linked to a sudden and substantial release of iron, often triggered by specific events that are associated with a significant amount of cell deaths. In respiratory pathologies (depicted in light red), iron accumulation in tissues may exacerbate the condition, contributing to a delayed release of iron. In the context of sepsis (illustrated in white), the scenario is less distinct. Although there is a hypothesis that NBTI is released with the occurrence of cell death, the intricate interplay between highly active microbes and macrophages further complicates the picture, as they avidly consume the liberated iron. ARDS acute respiratory distress syndrome, ALI acute lung injury, ACLF acute-on-chronic liver failure, ALF acute liver failure, AKI acute kidney injury