Safa A. Faraj
MD Pediatrics hemato-oncologist, head of Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Wasit University, Kut, Iraq. Consultant haemato-oncologist Children Welfare Teaching hospital, Baghdad Medical City. safaafaraj@uowasit.edu.iq
Chapters authored
Serum Hepcidin Hormone Level and Its Genes Polymorphism
This chapter sheds light on hepcidin, historical view of hepcidin, and the time of its discovery in the first section. Then this chapter gives information about the genetic aspect and the importance of gene knowledge of hepcidin in explaining many disorders in human beings, supported by illustration figures. The regulation of iron in the human body as an essential function of hepcidin is discussed in this chapter. Examples of the genes of hepcidin (HAMP and HFE) are highlighted in detail as they are essential in regulating iron as well as discussing the genetic mutations that occur in these genes and their medical and clinical impacts for many diseases such as thalassemia. Finally, the inherited disorders related to hepcidin that lead to genetic diseases are discussed.
Part of the book: Genetic Variation
Hepcidin
The hepcidin is antimicrobial peptide has antimicrobial effects discover before more than a thousand years; it has a great role in iron metabolism and innate immunity. Hepcidin is a regulator of iron homeostasis. Its production is increased by iron excess and inflammation and decreased by hypoxia and anemia. Iron-loading anemias are diseases in which hepcidin is controlled by ineffective erythropoiesis and concurrent iron overload impacts. Hepcidin reacts with ferroportin. The ferroportin is found in spleen, duodenum, placenta, if the ferroportin decrease, it results in the reduced iron intake and macrophage release of iron, and using the iron which stores in the liver. Gene of human hepcidin is carried out by chromosome 19q13.1. It consists of (2637) nucleated base. HAMP gene was founded in the liver cells, in brain, trachea, heart, tonsils, and lung. Changing in the HAMP gene will produce a change in hepcidin function. The hepcidin is made many stimulators are included opposing effects exerted by pathological and physiological conditions. Hepcidin is essential for iron metabolism, understanding stricter and genetic base of hepcidin is crucial step to know iron behavior and reactions to many health statuses.
Part of the book: Iron Metabolism