Hepcidin levels in humans are correlated with hepatic iron stores, hemoglobin levels, and hepatic function

Blood. 2005 Jul 15;106(2):746-8. doi: 10.1182/blood-2004-12-4855. Epub 2005 Mar 29.

Abstract

Hepcidin, a key regulator of iron metabolism, is synthesized by the liver. Hepcidin binds to the iron exporter ferroportin to regulate the release of iron into plasma from macrophages, hepatocytes, and enterocytes. We analyzed liver samples from patients undergoing hepatic surgery for cancer or receiving liver transplants and analyzed correlations between clinical parameters and liver hepcidin mRNA and urinary hepcidin concentrations. Despite the many potential confounding influences, urinary hepcidin concentrations significantly correlated with hepatic hepcidin mRNA concentrations, indicating that hepcidin quantification in urine is a valid approach to evaluate hepcidin expression. Moreover, we found in humans that hepcidin levels correlated with hepatic iron stores and hemoglobin levels and may also be affected by hepatic dysfunction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / genetics*
  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / urine*
  • Base Sequence
  • DNA / genetics
  • Female
  • Hemoglobins / metabolism*
  • Hepcidins
  • Humans
  • Liver / physiology*
  • Liver Cirrhosis / genetics
  • Liver Cirrhosis / physiopathology
  • Liver Cirrhosis / urine
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism

Substances

  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides
  • HAMP protein, human
  • Hemoglobins
  • Hepcidins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • DNA