Hepcidin: A missing link at the interface of malaria and hypertension

Malaria and hypertension are seemingly unrelated communicable and non-communicable diseases, both highly pervasive in the global south. There is a debate about the potential connection between these two disorders beyond any obvious factors. The emerging evidence suggests an emerging genetic selection pressure for hypertension in malaria-endemic regions. Furthermore, the impact of the liver hormone hepcidin, which has been overlooked, is significant in the development of hypertension due to malaria. Malaria exposure leads to changes in iron metabolism through the regulation of hepcidin, resulting in iron deficiency and, consequently, the development of hypertension.