The pathophysiology and pharmacology of hepcidin

Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2014 Mar;35(3):155-61. doi: 10.1016/j.tips.2014.01.004. Epub 2014 Feb 17.

Abstract

Inappropriate production of the iron-regulatory hormone hepcidin contributes to the pathogenesis of common iron disorders. Absolute or relative deficiency of hepcidin causes iron overload in hereditary hemochromatosis and iron-loading anemias. Elevated hepcidin causes iron restriction in inflammatory conditions including autoimmune disease, critical illness, some cancers, and chronic kidney disease. Multiple agents targeting hepcidin and its regulators are under development as novel therapeutics for iron disorders. This review summarizes hepcidin biology and discusses the current landscape for hepcidin-targeting therapeutic strategies.

Keywords: anemia; ferroportin; iron disorders; iron overload.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anemia / drug therapy
  • Anemia / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Hepcidins / agonists*
  • Hepcidins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Hepcidins / deficiency
  • Hepcidins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Iron / metabolism
  • Iron Overload / drug therapy
  • Iron Overload / metabolism

Substances

  • Hepcidins
  • Iron