An Insight into the Relationships between Hepcidin, Anemia, Infections and Inflammatory Cytokines in Pediatric Refugees: A Cross-Sectional Study

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0004030
• Publication Date: 2008-12-23T22:46:48Z
• Authors: Sarah Cherian; David A. Forbes; Angus G. Cook; Frank M. Sanfilippo; Erwin H. Kemna; Dorine W. Swinkels; David P. Burgner
• Keywords: Transferrin saturation; Interquartile range

Background Hepcidin, a key regulator of iron homeostasis, is increased in response to inflammation and some infections, but the vivo role hepcidin, particularly children with deficiency anemia (IDA) unclear. We investigated relationships between cytokines status pediatric population high prevalence both co-morbid infections. Methodology/Principal Findings African refugee <16 years were consecutively recruited at initial post-resettlement health check 181 meeting inclusion criteria. Data on hematological parameters, cytokine levels infections (Helicobacter pylori, helminth malaria) obtained urinary hepcidin assays performed. The primary outcome measure was without (ID) and/or ID anaemia (IDA). secondary measures included relationship (i) IDA, (ii) (iii) levels. IDA present 25/181 (13.8%). Children had significantly lower (IDA median 0.14 nmol/mmol Cr (interquartile range 0.05–0.061) versus non-IDA 2.96 Cr, (IQR 0.95–6.72), p<0.001). Hemoglobin, log-ferritin, iron, mean cell volume (MCV) transferrin saturation positively associated log-hepcidin (log-ferritin beta coefficient (β): 1.30, 95% CI 1.02 1.57) inversely (β: −0.12, −0.15 −0.08). Cytokine (including IL-6) not or Conclusions/Significance This largest study associations cytokines. Gastro-intestinal (H. pylori helminths) did elevate IL-6 children, nor they IDA. Longitudinal mechanistic studies will further elucidate paediatric regulation.