Hepcidin: an important new regulator of iron homeostasis.

Summary Hepcidin is an important and recently discovered regulator of iron homeostasis. There is strong evidence in support of an important role for hepcidin dysregulation in the pathogenesis of iron overload disorders, and possibly in the aetiology of the anaemia of chronic disease. Further research is needed into the physiology of hepcidin to elucidate the relative contributions of the liver and kidney to its production and metabolism. The study of the differential roles of prohepcidin and its metabolites as well as the significance of their serum and urine levels will enhance our understanding of their role in iron metabolism.