What is hepcidin?
Hepcidin is a protein synthesized by the liver in the setting of inflammation, which is usually present in patients with Chronic kidney disease.
Hepcidin decreases iron absorption from the gastrointestinal tract and movement of iron from the reticuloendothelial system to the circulation.
Hepcidin causes an increase in serum ferritin levels, a decrease in TSAT, and contributes to functional iron deficiency.
Investigational drugs that decrease hepcidin activity improve ESA responsiveness.
