Hepcidin clearance is associated with erythropoietin requirement in stable hemodialysis patients .

Background: The discovery of hepcidin, the hormone regulating iron absorption and transport, has improved the understanding of anemia and erythropoietin treatment. Excessive hepcidin signaling causes anemia in chronic inflammatory conditions by restricting iron delivery to the bone marrow. Hepcidin is normally eliminated in the urine, and the high levels seen in renal failure are thought to contribute to renal anemia and resistance to erythropoietin.