Zinc-Protoporphyrin, HPLC

Zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) is a metabolite formed in erythrocytes during hemoglobin
synthesis. By iron deficiency during erythropoiesis, instead of incorporating
a ferrous ion to form the hem precursor, zinc becomes an alternative metal ion in
the protoporphyrin complex. As a result, zinc-protoporphyrin is produced instead of
hemoglobin. As a consequence, in cases of iron deficiency anemia, the zinc protoporphyrin
concentration in the erythrocytes is elevated.