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Hepcidin concentrations in serum and urine correlate with iron homeostasis in preterm infants

Katharina F Müller1, Laila Lorenz, Christian F Poets

  • 1Department of Neonatology, University of Tuebingen, Germany.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|January 31, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Serum and urine hepcidin levels correlate with iron status, red blood cell production, and inflammation in preterm infants. Urine hepcidin shows promise for non-invasive monitoring of iron status in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Hematology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Hepcidin is a key regulator of iron metabolism.
  • Understanding hepcidin's role in preterm infants is crucial for managing iron homeostasis and anemia.
  • Preterm infants are at risk for iron deficiency and related complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the correlation between serum (Hep((S))) and urine (Hep((U))) hepcidin concentrations and indicators of iron metabolism, erythropoiesis, and inflammation in preterm infants.
  • To assess the potential of urinary hepcidin as a non-invasive biomarker in this vulnerable population.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 31 preterm infants (23-32 weeks gestational age) was studied.
  • Mature 25 amino-acid hepcidin was quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in serum and urine.
  • Blood counts, reticulocyte parameters, and iron status markers were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Serum hepcidin concentrations were highest in infants with systemic inflammation.
  • Both serum and urine hepcidin showed strong positive correlations with ferritin levels and reticulocyte hemoglobin content.
  • Hepcidin levels correlated negatively with the soluble transferrin receptor/ferritin ratio.
  • Lower hemoglobin concentrations and higher reticulocyte counts were associated with lower serum hepcidin.

Conclusions:

  • In sick preterm infants, the mature 25 amino-acid form of hepcidin is significantly associated with iron status, erythropoiesis, anemia, and inflammation.
  • Urinary hepcidin warrants further investigation as a non-invasive tool for monitoring iron status in preterm infants.
Abstract

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