Study of Erythroferrone Expression and Hepcidin levels in Anemia of Chronic Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Abstract

Abstract Background: Anemia in RA is associated with chronic inflammatory process. It occurs as iron deficiency, mainly due to gastrointestinal bleeding induced by drugs as well as redistribution of iron into inflamed joint structure. Pro-inflammatory stimuli result in the development of anemia of chronic disease through direct inhibition of erythropoiesis and indirect reduction of iron supplied for heme synthesis. This is associated with increased levels of hepcidin. Aim of Work: to determine associations between erythroferrone (ERFE) and biomarkers of iron metabolism (iron profile) and to define a pattern of ERFE and hepcidin expression in RA patients with ACD.