Question

1. Explain the role of hepcidin in preventing iron overload.

Answer 1

Answer- Iron overload happens due to lack of excretion of iron from the body. Due to this, it is stored in various organs like liver, heart, and pancreas, resulting in organ damage.

Hepcidin is a key regulator of iron metabolism in humans. It inhibits iron transport by binding to the iron export channel ferroportin located on the surface of gut enterocytes and the plasma membrane of reticuloendothelial cells (macrophages). This prevents enterocytes from allowing iron into the hepatic portal system, and reduces dietary iron absorption, thereby ensuring excretion of excessive iron and preventing iron overload.