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Hepcidin Status in Cord Blood: Observational Data from a Tertiary Institution in Belgium
Michael Ceulemans1,2,3, Joline Van de Vel4, Dorine W Swinkels5,6,7
1Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
Insights
This study reports the first cord blood hepcidin levels in Belgium, finding median levels of 17.6 μg/L. Hepcidin concentrations correlated with ferritin and hemoglobin, and varied by delivery mode.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Metabolism
- Pediatric Research
- Iron Homeostasis
Background:
- Hepcidin regulates iron absorption and release.
- Cord blood hepcidin reflects fetal iron status at birth.
- Belgian population data on cord blood hepcidin was previously unavailable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish reference ranges for cord blood hepcidin in a Belgian cohort.
- To identify factors associated with cord blood hepcidin concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional, observational study at University Hospital Leuven, Belgium.
- Analysis of 61 nonhemolyzed cord blood samples using chromatography and mass spectrometry.
- Statistical analysis including correlation and Mann-Whitney U tests.
Main Results:
- Median cord blood hepcidin level was 17.6 μg/L (IQR: 18.1).
- Moderate positive correlation between hepcidin and ferritin (r=0.493).
- Moderate negative correlation between hepcidin and hemoglobin (r=-0.342).
- Higher hepcidin levels observed in vaginal deliveries (p=0.01).
Conclusions:
- Provides initial data on cord blood hepcidin in a Belgian population.
- Identifies associations between hepcidin, ferritin, hemoglobin, and delivery mode.
- Further research is needed to determine the clinical utility of cord blood hepcidin measurements.
Abstract:
The hormone hepcidin plays an important role in intestinal iron absorption and cellular release. Cord blood hepcidin values reflect fetal hepcidin status, at least at the time of delivery, but are not available for the Belgian population. Therefore, we aimed (1) to provide the first data on cord blood hepcidin levels in a Belgian cohort and (2) to determine variables associated with cord blood hepcidin concentrations. A cross-sectional, observational study was performed at the University Hospital Leuven, Belgium. Cord blood samples were analyzed using a combination of weak cation exchange chromatography and time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation tests, and Mann-Whitney U tests were performed. In total, 61 nonhemolyzed cord blood samples were analyzed. The median hepcidin level was 17.6 μg/L (IQR: 18.1; min-max: 3.9-54.7). A moderate correlation was observed between cord blood hepcidin and cord blood ferritin (r = 0.493) and hemoglobin (r = -0.342). Cord blood hepcidin was also associated with mode of delivery (p = 0.01), with higher hepcidin levels for vaginal deliveries. Nonetheless, larger studies are needed to provide more evidence on the actual clinical value and benefit of cord blood hepcidin measurements.
