Evaluation of hepcidin level in chronic hepatitis C Egyptian patients undergoing regular hemodialysis

Abstract Background Hepcidin, an acute phase reactant released from the liver, suppresses intestinal iron uptake and release from internal stores. It is related to pathogenesis of anemia of chronic illness including anemia of chronic renal failure which is considered a chronic inflammatory state as well as HCV infection. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate level of serum hepcidin and study the possible relations between serum hepcidin and markers of iron status in chronic hepatitis C Egyptian patients on regular hemodialysis. Results Hepcidin was significantly elevated in hemodialysis patients than in control group [P < 0.01]. Levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, ferritin, and iron were significantly elevated in HCV-positive hemodialysis patients than in HCV-negative hemodialysis patients [P < 0.001]. Hepcidin was non-significantly elevated in HCV-positive hemodialysis patients compared with HCV-negative hemodialysis patients. No significant correlations between hepcidin and any of the other studied parameters. Conclusion Serum hepcidin is elevated in hemodialysis patients than in control group, whereas hepcidin level is non-significantly elevated in HCV-positive hemodialysis patients compared with HCV-negative hemodialysis patients.