HEPCIDIN Meaning and
Definition
-
Hepcidin is a small peptide hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating the body's iron metabolism. It is primarily synthesized and released by the liver cells, although it can also be produced by other cell types such as macrophages and adipocytes. Hepcidin acts as a key regulator of iron absorption, distribution, and utilization in the body.
The main function of hepcidin is to control the amount of iron in the bloodstream by regulating its absorption from the diet and its release from iron-storing cells. When the body's iron stores are sufficient or in excess, hepcidin levels increase, resulting in decreased absorption of dietary iron by the cells lining the intestines, reduced release of iron from iron-storing cells such as hepatocytes and macrophages, and increased sequestration of iron within these cells. On the other hand, when the body is iron-deficient, hepcidin levels decrease, allowing for increased iron absorption from the diet and enhanced release of iron from storage sites, ensuring an adequate supply of iron to meet the body's needs.
Imbalances in hepcidin regulation have been associated with various diseases characterized by altered iron metabolism, including iron-deficiency anemia, hereditary hemochromatosis, and anemia of chronic disease. Understanding the complex mechanisms and functions of hepcidin is essential for the development of novel therapies and treatments targeting iron-related disorders.
Common Misspellings for HEPCIDIN
- gepcidin
- bepcidin
- nepcidin
- jepcidin
- uepcidin
- yepcidin
- hwpcidin
- hspcidin
- hdpcidin
- hrpcidin
- h4pcidin
- h3pcidin
- heocidin
- helcidin
- he-cidin
- he0cidin
- hepxidin
- hepvidin
- hepfidin
- hepdidin
Etymology of HEPCIDIN
The word "hepcidin" comes from the combination of two terms: "hepatic" and "peptide". The term "hepatic" refers to the liver, which is the primary site of production of hepcidin. The term "peptide" refers to a short chain of amino acids, indicating that hepcidin is a small protein molecule. Hence, "hepcidin" essentially denotes a peptide hormone produced by the liver that regulates iron homeostasis.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
