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Hepcidin and GDF15 in anemia of multiple myeloma
Shuchong Mei1, Huaquan Wang, Rong Fu
1Department of Hematology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, 154 Anshandao, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, People's Republic of China, meishuchong716@163.com.
Abstract:
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant disease of plasma cells and is often accompanied by anemia which may influence its progression and survival. The mechanism of anemia of chronic disease (ACD) in which iron homeostasis is impaired underlies that of MM-related anemia. In this study, we analyzed the role of hepcidin which is the main mediator of ACD and ACD-related cytokines in peripheral blood of MM patients. We showed that HAMP mRNA and growth differentiation factors 15 (GDF15) mRNA expressions in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasma hepcidin, GDF15, interleukin-6 and erythropoietin in MM patients all increased significantly as compared to those in controls. In MM patients, the expression of HAMP mRNA showed a positive correlation with serum ferritin level, and a negative correlation with hemoglobin level. The levels of plasma hepcidin and GDF15 were significantly decreased in MM patients who achieved complete remission after six cycles VD (bortezomib + dexamethasone) regimen chemotherapy. These data indicated that overexpression of HAMP mRNA in PBMCs significantly correlated with increased plasma hepcidin level and may be involved in the pathogenesis of MM-related anemia. Furthermore, the levels of plasma hepcidin and GDF15 may be valuable in assessing the progress of MM.
Insights
Anemia in multiple myeloma (MM) is linked to hepcidin, a key mediator of anemia of chronic disease (ACD). This study found elevated hepcidin and GDF15 levels in MM patients, suggesting their role in disease progression and potential as biomarkers.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy frequently associated with anemia, impacting patient outcomes.
- Anemia of chronic disease (ACD), characterized by iron dysregulation, is a common mechanism in MM-related anemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of hepcidin and related cytokines in the pathogenesis of anemia in multiple myeloma patients.
- To assess the potential of hepcidin and GDF15 as biomarkers for MM progression and treatment response.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of HAMP mRNA and GDF15 mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from MM patients and controls.
- Measurement of plasma hepcidin, GDF15, interleukin-6, and erythropoietin levels in MM patients.
- Correlation analysis between gene expression, protein levels, and clinical parameters like hemoglobin and ferritin.
Main Results:
- Significantly elevated HAMP mRNA, GDF15 mRNA, plasma hepcidin, GDF15, IL-6, and EPO in MM patients compared to controls.
- HAMP mRNA expression positively correlated with serum ferritin and negatively with hemoglobin levels in MM patients.
- Plasma hepcidin and GDF15 levels decreased significantly in MM patients achieving complete remission after VD chemotherapy.
Conclusions:
- Overexpression of HAMP mRNA in PBMCs is associated with increased plasma hepcidin and may contribute to MM-related anemia.
- Plasma hepcidin and GDF15 levels show potential as valuable indicators for assessing multiple myeloma progression and treatment efficacy.
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