Exploring the Link of Serum Hepcidin, Ferritin, and Iron Levels in Patients of Chronic Hepatitis C of Hyderabad District

Evaluating Iron Metabolism Biomarkers among Patients of Chronic Hepatitis C

Abstract

Background: In Pakistan, Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is the second most prevalent infectious disease. Approximately 20% of individuals infected with HCV progress to liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Iron overload is a major contributing factor to disease progression, leading to a subsequent decrease in hepcidin levels. Objective: The present study was designed to investigate any link between serum ferritin and hepcidin concentrations with disease advancement in chronic hepatitis C individuals. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Settings: Physiology department of LUMHS, in cooperation with the Medical wards, Pakistan. Duration: February 22, 2022, to September 22, 2022. Methods: Patients aged 20 to 45 years, with confirmed diagnoses of chronic hepatitis C, were enrolled. Data were obtained through a self-structured questionnaire, and samples of blood were taken for the analysis of serum hepcidin and ferritin concentrations. Results: 116 participants were included in the study, including 49 males (42.24%) and 68 females (57.75%), with a mean age of 47.7 years. Serum hepcidin levels indicated a non-significant negative link with ferritin (r = -0.059, P > 0.005) and a significant inverse correlation with iron levels (r = -0.477 and a p-value of ˂ 0.005). Conclusion: The findings suggest that patients with chronic hepatitis C often exhibit reduced hepcidin levels due to iron overload. This study evaluates the potential of hepcidin as a prognostic biomarker for monitoring iron accumulation in individuals with chronic HCV infection.