Research progress on hepcidin and its related regulatory drugs

Iron is the most basic element involved in oxygen transport, cell respiration, DNA replication, and other disorders of iron metabolism associated with a variety of diseases, including anemia (iron deficiency anemia, chronic anemia) and iron overload (hemochromatosis). Hepcidin is a small molecule peptide hormone synthesized by the liver, which plays a negative role in regulating iron metabolism and is particularly important for maintaining iron balance. Hepcidin is encoded by Hamp gene, and its expression is regulated by multiple signaling pathways such as BMP and STAT. Signal molecules such as interleukin (IL)-6 and transmembrane serine protease (TMPRSS)6 also play important roles in the regulation of hepcidin. This article reviews the molecular structure and role of hepcidin, as well as the current research progress on regulatory drugs targeting hepcidin, Hamp gene and its related signaling pathways. Key words: Iron; Iron metabolism disorders; Hemochromatosis; Interleukin-6; Hepcidin; Hamp gene