Hepcidin, iron absorption

Recently, a peptide hormone known as hepcidin has been imphcated as a major circulating molecule that coordinates iron metabolism responses in the reticuloendothehal system and the duodenum. The presence of a circulating factor helps to explain how sites that are physically distant from one another, such as the duodenum and spleen, can coordinately regulate the amount of iron that they release into the bloodstream. Hepcidin negatively regulates iron absorption through the small intestine, iron transport across the placenta,... 

The absorption efficiency of non-heme iron in particular is also inversely related to iron status. The factor responsible for communicating body iron status to the enterocyte to allow for the up- or downregulation of iron absorption remained elusive until recently, when the hormone hepcidin was identified. Hepcidin declines during iron deficiency, and its decline is associated with an increased production of the DMT-1 and ferroportin transporters in a rat model, although its exact mode of action is unknown. Hepcidin may also regulate iron absorption and retention or release of iron from body stores during conditions of enhanced erythropoiesis and inflammation. 

Leong W-1 and Lonnerdal B (2004) Hepcidin, the recently identified peptide that appears to regulate iron absorption. Journal of Nutrition 134 1—4. 

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