Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research
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Resistance to EPO therapy in hemodialysis (HD) patients is ascribed to inflammation and iron deficiency. Hepcidin, an antimicrobial peptide, is a key regulator of iron metabolism and synthesis of hepcidin is regulated by iron status and inflammation. The role of hepcidin in the pathogenesis of EPO-resistant anemia was assessed through measurement of serum pro-hepcidin in HD patients. ⋯ In EPO resistant anemia, multiple factors, including iron and inflammation related conditions, are likely to affect the level of hepcidin and this may explain the lack of elevated serum hepcidin in this condition.