ORIGINAL ARTICLES   

Gazzetta Medica Italiana Archivio per le Scienze Mediche 2010 June;169(3):83-9

Copyright © 2010 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Correlation between hepcidin and iron status in hemodialysis patients

Valverde S. ¹, Mennella G. ², Trabuio E. ¹, Spinello M. ¹, Antico F. ¹, Favaro P. ¹, Urso M. ², Fassina P. ³, Munaretto G. ², Gessoni G. ^1-3

¹ Laboratory Medicine Service, Chioggia Civil Hospital, Chioggia, Venice, Italy 2 Nephrology and Hemodialysis Units, Chioggia Civil Hospital, Chioggia, Venice, Italy 3 Transfusional Service, Chioggia Civil Hospital, Chioggia, Venice, Italy

Aim. Hepcidin, a liver-derived peptide induced by iron overload and inflammation, is a major regulator of iron homeostasis. As hepcidin decreases gastrointestinal iron absorption and recirculation from monocytes, over-expression is associated with the development of anaemia.
Materials and methods. We studied the associations between circulating pro hepcidin levels and various laboratory parameters related to anaemia in 61 patients on chronic haemodialysis. Pro-hepcidin was studied by using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays; iron metabolism, RBC and Reticulocytes were studied by using standard automated methods.
Results. We observed a substantial lack of correlation between pro hepcidin serum concentration and iron metabolism parameters. A weak negative correlation was observed between pro hepcidin and reticulocytes and Hb, RBC and Ht.
Discussion. Pro hepcidin levels in haemodialysis patients did not appear to reflect systemic iron load. Due to the negative association between.
Conclusion. Reticulocytes and RBC counts and pro hepcidin, the reduction of circulating pro hepcidin concentrations may positively affect erythropoiesis.