Question

Evolutionarily, hepcidin is upregulated to prevent pathogens from accessing iron. Pathogens use circulating iron to thrive. This response is also triggered by chronic disease states, thus causing anemia of chronic disease. What is the role of hepcidin in preventing pathogens from accessing iron?

1) It inhibits the release of iron from macrophages
2) It promotes the absorption of iron from the diet
3) It increases the production of iron in the liver
4) It enhances the utilization of iron by red blood cells

Answer 1

Hepcidin inhibits the release of iron from macrophages to prevent pathogens from accessing iron.

Step-by-step explanation:

The role of hepcidin in preventing pathogens from accessing iron is that it inhibits the release of iron from macrophages. By doing so, hepcidin limits the availability of iron in the blood, making it less accessible to pathogens. This helps prevent pathogens from thriving and reduces the risk of infection.