Question

Hepcidin inhibits ?

• A. Absorption of cobalamine
• B. Transfer of iron into enterocytes
• C. Folic acid synthesis
• D. Respiratory oxidase

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Hepcidin is a key regulatory hormone in iron metabolism. It primarily functions to inhibit the transfer of iron into enterocytes, which are the absorptive cells in the intestine responsible for iron uptake. In more detail, hepcidin binds to the iron export protein called ferroportin, present on the surface of these enterocytes as well as on macrophages. Upon binding, it causes ferroportin to be internalized and degraded. This process effectively reduces iron absorption from the diet and also decreases iron release from macrophages, thereby lowering the levels of iron in the bloodstream. Understanding this mechanism is crucial in disorders of iron metabolism, where either excessive or deficient hepcidin leads to conditions like hereditary hemochromatosis or anemia of inflammation respectively.

Option	Effect of Hepcidin
Absorption of cobalamine	No effect
Transfer of iron into enterocytes	Inhibited
Folic acid synthesis	No effect
Respiratory oxidase	No effect