Journal of Clinical and Cellular Immunology
Open Access

Abstract

Role of Hepcidin in the Pathogenesis of Anemia Not Caused by Iron Deficiency

Khaled S Osman, Lamiaa H Aly, Walid M Abd El-Hamid and Mostafa R Tawfik

Background: The aim of the study is to assess the role of hepcidin in the pathogenesis of some types of anemia not caused by iron deficiency and to find out a possible relationship between serum hepcidin level and iron profile studies.

Subjects and methods: The study was carried out on 80 subjects divided into 4 groups: Group I included 20 rheumatoid arthritis patients associated with anemia; Group II included 20 chronic liver disease patients associated with anemia; Group III included 20 patients with thalassemia and their results were compared with 20 apparently healthy subjects (Group IV) of matched age and sex as control group. Each individual was subjected to careful history taking, general examination, and routine laboratory investigations including iron profile in addition to hepcidin level assay.

Results: There were statistically significant increase in hepcidin levels in group I, II, III when compared to control group (P=0.002, 0.001, <0.001) respectively. Also, hepcidin levels were significantly higher in group III compared to group I and II (P≤0.001, <0.001) respectively. While no significant difference was found between group I and II (P=0.665). There was significant strong positive correlation between hepcidin levels and serum ferritin levels in all patients groups (P≤0.001), and significant strong positive correlation between hepcidin levels and serum iron levels (P≤0.001), while there was significant negative correlation between hepcidin level and Hb level (P≤0.001).

Conclusion: Hepcidin measurement is a useful tool in the work up of anemic patients associated with disturbed iron homeostasis. Hepcidin regulation must be taken into consideration in the full clinical spectrum of thalassemia and chronic hepatitis C patients.