Hepcidin

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• Definition
• Introduction
• Signs & Symptoms
• Research Summary

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Executive Summary

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Write an executive summary in the form of a blog article on the topic of "Research into Chinese medicine treatment for Hepcidin" summarising the research below and using language that can be easily understood by patients and avoiding medical jargon using a professional and caring tone of voice.

Write an executive summary in the form of a blog article on the topic of "Researched Chinese medicine treatments for Hepcidin" summarising the research below in an objective and easy to understand way, and using language that can be easily understood by patients. Group the article into Chinese medicine treatments first, followed by nutrition and other treatments. Avoid using medical jargon and use a professional and caring tone of voice.

Write me a concise but easy to understand executive summary on the topic of "Chinese medicine treatments for Hepcidin" based on the following research that I will give you. Your summary should be 2 paragraphs long in Australian English spelling and include references to the studies.

A Experimental Study published in 2023 in the journal Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that The herbal decoction Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen reduces symptoms of chronic kidney disease and anaemia by improving iron metabolism and inhibiting the JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway. Methodology used included an analysis of network pharmacology, chemical profiling, and in vivo experiments on the effect of Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen (JPYS) on renal anemia and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The active compounds in JPYS were detected in in vivo experiment, and their potential targets were predicted by network pharmacology. An animal model of CKD-related anemia was developed using adenine-feeding for further analysis. The estimation of renal injury was conducted using blood tests, histopathological examinations, and fibrosis degree assessment while the levels of JAK2, STAT3 and iron metabolism-related factors were measured through various techniques. Discussion of the results reveals that 164 active ingredients, including prototypes and metabolites in JPYS, were discovered and 21 core targets were identified. Many of these core targets were associated with the JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathways. Experimental results demonstrated that JPYS treatment significantly improved hematological parameters and iron metabolism in CKD rats, decreased certain indicators of renal damage, and suppressed the expression of JAK2 and STAT3.

A Theoretical Article published in 2022 in the journal European Journal of Haematology found that The hepcidin-ferroportin iron regulatory pathway prevents iron overload, creating an inherent limit on gastrointestinal iron absorption, and hence affects the efficacy of oral iron supplementation. The methodology adopted in this study involved investigating the pathophysiology of iron absorption alongside reviewing existing evidence relating to different preparations of oral iron. Different dosing protocols were compared, including daily low dose and every other day protocols, in an attempt to bypass the limitations imposed by the body's own regulatory systems and maximize absorption while minimizing side effects. The formulation, dosing strategy, and patient selection for oral vs. intravenous iron supplementation were also studied. The results demonstrated that the body's inherent iron regulation pathway, named the hepcidin-ferroportin pathway, has evolved to prevent iron overload, which subsequently places an inherent limit on gastrointestinal iron uptake; this has significant implications for the efficacy of oral iron supplementation. Furthermore, excess unabsorbed iron proved to be responsible for various side effects often associated with oral iron supplementation, such as dyspepsia and constipation. This underlines the challenges posed by the body's own iron management system when dealing with iron deficiency through oral iron supplements.

A Cohort Study published in 2021 in the journal EClinicalMedicine found that The body begins to upregulate iron absorption at a ferritin concentration of less than 50 µg/L, indicating an incipient iron deficiency in young women. In the methodology, this study utilizes a pooled analysis of stable iron isotope studies conducted between 2006 and 2019 on healthy women aged 18 to 50. These studies quantified iron absorption from meals providing physiological quantities of iron. A mathematical model known as generalized additive modeling was employed to ascertain the relationships between iron absorption, ferritin, and a molecule called hepcidin. By estimating the first derivatives of the trend created by the model, inflection points (or thresholds) in these relationships were established. The results revealed that hepcidin increased in a linear fashion parallel to ferritin. Iron absorption increased when hepcidin reached a threshold value and when a threshold ferritin value was detected, beyond which iron absorption remained stable. An auxiliary validation within the results found that a hepcidin of approximately 3 nmol/l corresponded to a ferritin level of approximately 51 µg/l. These findings collectively suggest that if the body's ferritin concentration falls below 50 µg/L—corresponding to a hepcidin level of less than 3 nmol/l—the body will respond by absorbing more iron from the diet, signaling an emerging iron deficiency.

A Experimental Study published in 2021 in the journal Free Radical Biology and Medicine found that Black pepper and its major component, piperine, can effectively regulate anemia of inflammation by reducing the overexpression of hepcidin, a hormone that controls iron levels. The study involves a two-tier investigation, first in vitro, and then in vivo. In the laboratory, different black pepper extracts were interacted with a human liver cell line known as HepG2, and the one derived from methanol (BPME) showed the most promising result because it reduced the transcription of the hepcidin gene significantly. In addition to BPME, piperine was proven to almost entirely suppress hepcidin protein expression at specific concentrations. In the subsequent in vivo experimentation, live mice were artificially induced with an elevated level of hepcidin through oil of turpentine injections. Then they were administered with BPME and piperine, the effects of which significantly reduced the enhanced hepcidin expression. The molecular interaction studies further suggest that piperine directly binds with SMAD1 and STAT3 proteins, the critical factors behind the overexpression of hepcidin. The study found a demonstrable downregulation in hepcidin expression with the use of both the methanol extract of black pepper and the bioactive alkaloid piperine. These substances also interacted with some proteins to lower the overexpression of hepcidin initiated by inflammation. Additionally, there was a noticeable increase in iron bioavailability in the liver of treated test animals, pointing to the potential of these compounds to rectify anemia of inflammation. The findings posited black pepper as a possible therapeutic option for managing this anemic condition.

A Experimental Study published in 2021 in the journal Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity found that Dandelion polysaccharide (DP) can potentially reduce iron overload in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by downregulating hepcidin levels and inhibiting the IL-6-activated JAK-STAT signaling pathway. In the study, researchers focused on clarifying the effects of dandelion polysaccharide (DP) on iron metabolism and the mechanisms underlying these effects. The basis of their study was earlier findings that indicated a correlation between iron overload and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), conditions that their previous studies showed could be managed with DP through causing cell cycle arrest and inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. To get their results, researchers used RNA sequencing and western blot testing on hepatoma cells and grafted tumors subjected to DP treatment. The results of the mentioned testing methods showed that DP could lower the iron burden in hepatoma cells. It was further discovered that DP had the ability influence hepcidin, a significant regulator in iron metabolism, expression levels. Hepcidin was found in higher levels in HCC tumor tissues compared to adjacent non-tumor tissues. But, with DP treatment, expression of hepcidin was downregulated in both hepatoma cells and the liver of the mouse model used. These findings led to the conclusion that the DP was effective in inhibiting the IL-6-activated JAK-STAT signaling pathway.

A Experimental Study published in 2018 in the journal Nutrients found that Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) supplement helps reduce running times and control exercise-induced hepcidin levels, boosting iron levels and speeding up iron balance during recovery. The study consisted of 36 recreationally active males who were arbitrarily assigned to receive either DBT or a placebo for 11 days, in groups following their aerobic capacities. On the eighth day, they were subjected to a 13-km run at maximum effort. Blood and urine samples were collected and analysed both before the treatment (Pre-Tre), immediately after the run (Post-Ex), and 24 hours as well as 72 hours after the run. The findings showed that those supplemented with DBT significantly reduced their running times by 14.0% (12.3 minutes) in comparison to the placebo group. A notable difference was observed in serum hepcidin and iron levels. The DBT supplement suppressed the hepcidin levels after the run and 24 hours into recovery, leading to a significant increase in iron levels both immediately after the run and 72 hours post run. Despite this, DBT showed no significant anti-inflammatory or preventative effects against haemolysis.

A Experimental Study published in 2018 in the journal Journal of Molecular Endocrinology found that Higher iron levels after menopause appear to be risk factors for osteoporosis, and hormone hepcidin, which regulates iron, might be a potential therapeutic target for this condition. In the study, researchers applied genetic modification techniques to alter the production of endogenous hormone hepcidin in a mouse model, aiming to affect the iron levels in the body. Making use of both knockout and overexpression murine models, researchers focused specifically on the correlational aspects of hepcidin levels and bone loss. Further to that, the impact of iron overload on reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity was tested, as well as its effect on the slowed down work of primary osteoblasts. On the other hand, the effect of iron depletion was observed, presented as the reversed phenomenon through inhibiting the functions of the primary osteoclasts. Through this work, researchers investigated how iron accumulation interferes with general bone health in postmenopausal conditions. They further verified the 'Huang's hypothesis' - proposed in previous studies - about the potential therapeutic value of hepcidin for postmenopausal osteoporosis.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2017 in the journal Chinese Medical Journal found that Acupuncture used for weight loss may increase the effectiveness of oral iron supplementation to treat obesity-related iron deficiency. The study was conducted on sixty iron deficient or iron deficient anemia patients who were also obese, in the Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. They were divided into two groups: one group received an oral iron supplement combined with acupuncture treatment for weight loss (acupuncture group), and the other group received the oral iron supplement along with a placebo acupuncture treatment (control group). Over the course of eight weeks, anthropometric parameters were measured, and blood samples were tested before and after the treatment. The acupuncture group showed a significant decrease in body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and waist/hip circumference ratio, while the control group showed no significant changes. The oral iron supplement seemed to bring more noticeable improvements in the iron status indicators in the acupuncture group than in the control group. In addition, the serum leptin and hepcidin concentrations, which impact iron absorption, declined significantly in the acupuncture group and were relatively stagnant in the control group. These results suggest that acupuncture-based weight loss treatment could boost intestinal iron absorption, likely through downregulation of systemic leptin-hepcidin levels.

A Experimental Study published in 2017 in the journal Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity found that Angelica Sinensis polysaccharide treatment has been found to effectively alleviate anaemia of chronic disease in rats by inhibiting inflammatory pathways and mobilizing iron. The study utilized both HepG2 cells and rats suffering from Anemia of Chronic Disease (ACD) to assess the therapeutic efficacy of Polysaccharide. The cells and rats were administered the Polysaccharide, and the researchers observed its impact on two inflammatory pathways: the IL-6/STAT3 and BMP/SMAD. The Polysaccharide administration showed significant effects, inhibiting inflammatory hepcidin in both the cell sample and the rat population. Furthermore, in the rats, the introduction of the polysaccharide triggered an increase in ferroportin expression, which enabled iron to be transported from the liver and spleen, leading to increased serum iron levels. This also led to an elevation of serum EPO and a general relief from the anemia symptoms. Additionally, the treatment inhibited the NF-B p65 activation via the IB kinases-IB pathway, leading to a reduction in interleukin-6 and TNF- secretion - both of which are known to inhibit erythropoiesis. Hence, the study provides evidence for the potential use of polysaccharide as a treatment option for anemia of chronic disease.

A Experimental Study published in 2016 in the journal Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications found that Astragalus Polysaccharide (APS) can potentially be used as a treatment for iron overload in thalassemia patients by promoting the production of hepcidin. The researchers discovered that Astragalus Polysaccharide (APS), a kind of plant-extracted compound, could greatly stimulate the production of hepcidin, a key liver-produced hormone maintaining iron homeostasis, in two different types of liver cells (HepG2 and L-02) as well as in mice liver. Evidence of Immunohistochemical staining and Western blot analysis affirmed APS's effect on hepcidin production. The activation of p38 MAPK and release of IL-6 mediated the induction of hepcidin by APS. After the administration of APS, the subsequent decrease in iron concentration in vital organs like the liver, spleen, heart, and serum substantiated APS's role as an iron chelator. Furthermore, it was found that pre-treatment with SB203580, a known inhibitor of p38 MAPK signaling, could inhibit the upregulation effects of APS on hepcidin and IL-6 expressions, confirming that APS's iron chelation effect is correlated with the p38 MAPK signaling pathway activation. In conclusion, APS's ability to stimulate hepcidin production and reduce iron levels suggests its potential utility as a treatment for iron overload, especially in thalassemia patients.

A Experimental Study published in 2015 in the journal Blood found that Iron supplements intake acutely elevates hepcidin levels, decreasing the subsequent iron absorption with lower dosages and alternate day supplementation maximizing absorption. In the methodology, a total of 54 nonanemic young women having plasma ferritin ≤20 µg/L were selected. There were two studies: the first study had 25 participants who were given varying doses of iron ranging from 40mg to 240mg at 8:00 am while fasting for one or two consecutive days. In the second study, 16 participants were given similar iron doses. A third study involving 13 participants entailed ingestion of three 60mg Fe doses within a span of 24 hours. In the results discussion, it was found that doses above 60mg led to a rise in serum hepcidin levels after 24 hours, causing a decline in fractional iron absorption by 35% to 45%. As the dosage increased, absorption fraction decreased but absolute absorption increased. For instance, a sixfold increase in iron dose resulted only in a threefold increase in amount of iron absorbed. Furthermore, the total iron absorbed from three doses was not considerably greater than from two morning doses.

A Experimental Study published in 2014 in the journal British Journal of Nutrition found that Black soyabean seed coat extract significantly decreases hepcidin expression, leading to improved iron metabolism and potential treatment for iron-deficiency anaemia. The research employed both in vitro and in vivo experimental designs using cells treated with black soyabean seed coat extract (BSSCE) and 8-week-old male mice fed with a diet containing 2% BSSCE respectively. The study measured the effect of this extract on the expression of hepcidin, which is known to regulate iron homeostasis. In addition to this, its impact on splenic iron concentrations, serum iron concentrations and the phosphorylation levels of specific proteins was assessed. The study found that BSSCE effectively inhibited the expression of hepcidin in both the in vitro and in vivo investigations. The mice given a diet containing BSSCE showed a decrease in hepatic hepcidin expression and splenic iron concentrations, while at the same time, an increase was observed in serum iron concentrations. The BSSCE induced this change through a decrease in the phosphorylation of mothers against decapentaplegic homolog proteins. There were marked increases in erythrocyte counts, hemoglobin concentrations, and hematocrit values in the test mice, indicating improved iron metabolism. This suggest that black soyabean extract has potential in regulating iron metabolism, presenting possibilities for the treatment of hepcidin-related diseases, including iron-deficiency anaemia.

A Experimental Study published in 2011 in the journal Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP) efficiently stimulates erythropoietin secretion and suppresses the liver's hepcidin expression, potentially aiding in treatments of hepcidin-induced diseases. In observing the effects of ASP, a substance derived from a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine, the researchers administered the substance daily to rats through intragastric methods for a period of 14 days. Apart from this, a group of positive control rats also received injections of recombinant human erythropoietin. The researchers then monitored the levels of erythropoietin and hepcidin in the serum at various times using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, the researchers used the Western blot method to examine the expression of six key signal proteins in the liver. The results revealed that ASP notably diminished the liver's expression of hepcidin, a factor known for negatively regulating the body's iron metabolism. This reduction was primarily facilitated through inhibiting the expression of specific liver proteins (STAT3/5 and SMAD4) and stimulating the secretion of erythropoietin. This stimulation led to further down-regulation of hepcidin, a process aided by reducing the liver's expression of other proteins (C/EBPα, SMAD4, and the phosphorylation process of STAT3/5). Hence, the research suggests ASP can effectively suppress hepcidin expression in normal rats.

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