Predictive value of hepcidin in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection among egyptians

ABSTRACT

Background Iron is essential for oxygen transport and energy production, but it is potentially toxic through generation of oxidative stress. Patients with chronic hepatitis C [CHC] infection frequently have serum and hepatic iron overload, which is a cofactor for disease progression. Human hepcidin, a 25-amino acid peptide produced by hepatocytes, is considered a new mediator of innate immunity and master iron-regulatory hormone.Aim To determine clinical relevance of hepcidin in patients with CHC infection and whether it correlates with markers of hepatic inflammation and iron status in those patients