1. It’s synthesize by hepatocytes (liver cells).
2. Hepcidin is a key regulator of iron homeostasis in the body.
Hepcidin mechanism of action-
1. It binds to the iron exporter protein, ferroportin, located on the surface of various cells.
2. Binding triggers ferroportin internalization and degradation, removing it from the cell surface.
3. This effectively blocks iron export from the cell, reducing iron availability in the bloodstream.
How hepcidin control iron level-
1. When hepcidin levels are high, it binds to a protein called ferroportin on the surface of intestinal cells, blocking iron from entering the bloodstream.
2. Conversely, decreased expression of hepcidin leads to increased cell surface ferroportin and increased iron absorption
NOTE:
1. Low hepcidin = More iron release
2. High hepcidin = Less iron release
Hepcidin levels are primarily regulated by-
1. Iron stores (ferritin): High storage leads to increased hepcidin, limiting further iron absorption.
2. Erythropoietic activity (red blood cell production): Increased activity leads to decreased hepcidin, allowing more iron absorption for new red blood cells.
3. Inflammation: Inflammatory signals can increase hepcidin, reducing iron availability to limit pathogen growth.