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Impact of Hepcidin-25 Biomarker on Antioxidant Status and Trace Elements in Pediatric Iron Deficiency

Mhabad Khorsheed Saeed1, Lina Yousif Mohammed2

  • 1Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Zakho, Zakho, Iraq.

Journal of the American Nutrition Association
|December 17, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Serum hepcidin-25 is significantly lower in children with early iron deficiency (EID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA), indicating its role as a biomarker for iron deficits. This suppression affects trace elements and antioxidant activities.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Hematology
  • Nutritional Biochemistry
  • Biomarker Discovery

Background:

  • Iron deficiency is prevalent in children, impacting iron metabolism and overall health.
  • Hepcidin-25 is a key regulator of iron homeostasis, but its role in pediatric iron deficiency states requires further elucidation.
  • Antioxidant defense mechanisms and trace element status are often compromised in iron-deficient children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the regulatory role of serum hepcidin-25 in children with early iron deficiency (EID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA).
  • To evaluate the relationship between serum hepcidin-25, iron profile, trace elements (zinc, copper, magnesium), and antioxidant markers (catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, superoxide dismutase).

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 90 children aged 2-10 years, categorized into control, EID, and IDA groups.
  • Assessment of hematological parameters, iron profile, serum hepcidin-25, trace elements (Zn, Cu, Mg), and antioxidant markers (CAT, GST, SOD).

Main Results:

  • Serum hepcidin-25 levels were significantly lower in both EID and IDA groups compared to controls.
  • Reduced levels of zinc, catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were observed in EID and IDA groups.
  • Magnesium (Mg) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) levels were significantly decreased in the IDA group.
  • Serum hepcidin-25 positively correlated with serum iron, transferrin saturation, zinc, magnesium, SOD, and CAT.

Conclusions:

  • Suppressed serum hepcidin-25 serves as a reliable indicator of iron deficits in children.
  • Iron deficiency, as indicated by low hepcidin-25, is associated with disturbances in trace element concentrations and antioxidant activities.
  • Hepcidin-25 plays a crucial regulatory role in the systemic response to iron deficiency in pediatric populations.
Abstract

Keywords:
Antioxidantshepcidin-25 biomarkeriron deficiencyoxidative stresstrace elements

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