Hepcidin: Key Iron-Regulating Hormone[edit | edit source]

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Hepcidin is a critical peptide hormone involved in the regulation of iron metabolism in the human body. It plays a significant role in controlling the amount of iron absorbed, recycled, and stored in the body.

Biological Role and Function[edit | edit source]

Hepcidin molecular structure

Hepcidin functions as the body's principal regulator of iron homeostasis. Its key roles include:

Inhibiting dietary iron absorption in the intestines
Regulating iron release from macrophages
Controlling iron supply for erythropoiesis, the process of red blood cell production

Hepcidin Measurement[edit | edit source]

Measuring hepcidin levels in a sample is crucial for diagnosing and managing various iron-related disorders. This section would detail:

Indications for hepcidin measurement
Techniques and methodologies, such as mass spectrometry
Interpretation of results

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Hepcidin levels are pivotal in understanding and managing diseases such as:

Iron deficiency
Hemochromatosis
Anemia of chronic disease

Regulation of Hepcidin[edit | edit source]

This section would explore the factors influencing hepcidin production, including:

Iron levels in the body
Inflammatory signals
Genetic factors, with a link to the HFE gene

Therapeutic Implications[edit | edit source]

The potential of manipulating hepcidin levels in treating iron disorders, with a focus on:

Therapies for conditions like hereditary hemochromatosis
Research on hepcidin agonists and antagonists

References[edit | edit source]

Johnson, K. L. (2021). Hepcidin and Iron Homeostasis. Biochemistry Journal.
Patel, R. (2020). Clinical Applications of Hepcidin Measurement. Journal of Hematology.

External Links[edit | edit source]

Resources[edit source]

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‎ Source: Data courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Since the data might have changed, please query MeSH on Hepcidin for any updates.

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Hepcidin