Hepcidin in metabolic disorders

Paulina Giemza-Kucharska
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Artur Słomka
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Justyna Kwapisz
Ewa Żekanowska
Katedra Patofizjologii, Collegium Medicum UMK w Bydgoszczy, Polska
Zakład Zaburzeń Hemostazy Katedry Patofizjologii Collegium Medicum im. Ludwika Rydygiera w Bydgoszczy, Polska
Zakład Zaburzeń Hemostazy Katedry Patofizjologii Collegium Medicum im. Ludwika Rydygiera w Bydgoszczy, Polska
Katedra Patofizjologii, Collegium Medicum UMK w Bydgoszczy, Polska

Abstract

Hepcidin is a small protein involved in iron metabolism. This protein bounds to ferroportin, the sole cellular iron exporter, causing its internalization and degradation, which causes decrease in serum iron concentration. Previous studies have characterized mechanisms of hepcidin synthesis as well as its biological activity. The discovery of hepcidin has shed new light on the pathogenesis of many disease such as hemochromatosis, iron deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic disease. Recent researches have shown, that hepcidin can play vital role in metabolic disorders, such as osteoporosis and polycystic ovary syndrome. The physiological role of hepcidin, its clinical significance and potential link with bone remodeling, osteoporosis and polycystic ovary syndrome are described in this review.

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