Correlation of Hepcidin with Hemoglobin and Iron Parameters in Iraqi Patients with Beta -Thalassemia major

Abstract

Background: Thalassemia is characterized by genetic abnormalities in the synthesis of hemoglobin, leading to a decrease or missing production of one or more in the globin chains. Consequently, this disrupts the synthesis of hemoglobin molecules, resulting in anemia, which is a prominent manifestation of thalassemia. Iron is an essential element for cellular health and is involved in various functions, including oxygen transportation, biomolecule synthesis, respiration, and homeostasis. Hepcidin, a low molecular weight peptide produced in the liver, plays a crucial role in regulating iron homeostasis. Objectives: Study the correlation of Hepcidin with Hemoglobin, Ferritin, and Iron Parameters in  Patients with Beta-Thalassemia major. Methods: The serum ferritin of all subjects was measured by the ELFA technique (Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Assay), Serum Hepcidin is measured by the ELISA kit, and Iron, UIBC as well as TIBC are measured via colorimetric methods. Results: The { mean ± SD } of Ages and Genders among Patients with healthy groups were not significant. The { mean ± SD } of Hb and serum levels of Iron, UIBC, TIBC, Hepcidin concentration, and BMI between  Patients and healthy groups were statistically significant. The study results of the correlation between Hepcidin and other markers in the beta-thalassemia patient's group showed a non-significant negative correlation of hepcidin with TIBC and UIBC. while there is a non-significant weak correlation between hepcidin with Hb and Ferritin. and the results have shown a non-significant positive correlation between hepcidin and Iron. Conclusion: In this study showed a marked reduction in hemoglobin production and high levels of Iron and Ferritin concentration, while the concentration of TIBC and UIBC was observed to decrease in individuals with this disease compared to healthy individuals. This study showed low hepcidin concentration in ?-TM major patients compared to healthy subjects.