Advances in research on the regulation mechanism of hepcidin in sepsis related anemia

Sepsis remains an area of concern and focus of investigations in the medical community. The patients with sepsis often develop anemia, which may substantially increase the difficulty of treatment in septic patients. Hepcidin plays a crucial role in the regulation of iron homeostasis. Dysregulation of hepcidin has been implicated in the occurrence and development of several diseases. This review summarizes the characteristics of iron metabolism, the regulation of hepcidin and the key findings of the clinical studies targeting anemia in septic patients. Understanding underlying pathogenic mechanisms of hepcidin in sepsis-related anemia will contribute to the development of rational therapeutic strategies. DOI: 10.11855/j.issn.0577-7402.2020.12.15