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Abstract

Hepcidin, a regulator of iron recycling and absorption, is a small peptide created by the hepatocytes when there is an increase in body iron and inflammation. It is regarded as a master regulator for the metabolism of iron. Hepcidin decreases iron absorption from food by decreasing the transportation of iron across the enterocytes in the gut mucosa. Hepcidin decreases iron escape from macrophages, which are considered as the main site for storage of iron and decreases iron escape from the liver. The aim of this study is to explore the diagnostic value of hepcidin in elderly patients with iron deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic disease. Anemia was defined according to criteria of the World Health Organization (hemoglobin level <13 g/dL for men and hemoglobin <12 g/dL for women). Thirty elderly patients (Age 65 years and above) with anemia were collected randomly from the National center of Hematology and from Al-Karama Hospital. Together with thirty age and sex matched healthy volunteers were collected as a control. History was taken and physical examination was done. Blood samples were taken; hematological parameters were estimated for the two groups. We found strong correlation between serum hepcidin and body iron status. High hepcidin level was detected in elderly patients with anemia of inflammation.

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