Correlation of Hepcidin Level in Major Thalassemia

Background. Hepcidin is a master regulator of iron metabolism that inhibits the transport of iron out of enterocytes and macrophages. Thalassemia major (TM) is associated with some of the endocrine disorders. However, studies have yet to be conducted on the correlation of hepcidin with hormone levels and insulin resistance (IR) in patients with TM.Objectives. In the present study, the correlation of hepcidin level with some endocrine and biochemical parameters was investigated to determine the factors that mainly affect hepcidin correlation in patients with thalassemia. These factors include hormones, iron status, and IR parameters.Material and Methods. Hepcidin and other measured biochemical parameters were compared between the TM patients (100) and healthy children (37).Results. Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was positively correlated (p < 0.05) with hepcidin, iron, and ferritin. T4 hormone was correlated with ferritin only.