Hepcidiinihormoni

Hepcidiinihormoni, commonly known as hepcidin, is a peptide hormone primarily produced by the liver. It plays a crucial role in regulating iron metabolism in the body. Hepcidin acts as a negative regulator of iron absorption and release. It achieves this by binding to ferroportin, the sole known cellular iron exporter, and inducing its degradation. Ferroportin is located on the surface of enterocytes (intestinal cells responsible for iron absorption), hepatocytes (liver cells), and macrophages (immune cells that store iron).

When hepcidin levels are high, ferroportin is degraded, leading to reduced iron release from these cells into the bloodstream. This effectively traps iron within the cells and decreases iron absorption from the diet. Conversely, when hepcidin levels are low, ferroportin remains active, facilitating iron release and increasing iron availability in the circulation. This intricate regulation ensures that the body maintains appropriate iron levels, preventing both iron deficiency and iron overload.

The production of hepcidin is influenced by several factors, including iron status, inflammation, and erythropoiesis (red blood cell production). Elevated iron levels and inflammatory cytokines generally stimulate hepcidin production, while conditions like iron deficiency anemia or increased red blood cell production suppress it. Dysregulation of hepcidin has been implicated in various iron-related disorders, such as hereditary hemochromatosis and anemia of chronic disease.