The Relationship of Metabolic Effects in Obese Adolescents with Serum Hepcidin Levels and Iron Metabolism

¹Ufuk University Faculty of Medicine, Pediatrics Clinic, Turkey

²Ufuk University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, ANKARA, Turkey

³Ufuk University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, ANKARA, Turkey

*Corresponding author: Dr. Kübra ARSLAN, Ufuk University Faculty of Medicine, Pediatrics Clinic, Turkey, ORCID: 0000-0002-9478-1463; Phone No: +905331924511; E-mail: [email protected]

Received Date: March 29, 2024

Publication Date: August 20, 2024

Citation: Arslan K, et al. (2024). The Relationship of Metabolic Effects in Obese Adolescents with Serum Hepcidin Levels and Iron Metabolism. Obese. 2(1):6.

Copyright: Arslan K, et al. © (2024).

ABSTRACT

Iron deficiency and subsequently developing iron deficiency anemia are among the important health issues globally associated with nutrition. One of these problems is iron deficiency, which develops due to increased hepcidin due to inflammation in obesity. This condition, which develops secondary to obesity, has been known for a long time. However, there are few studies on the relationship of increased hepcidin with metabolic disorders in obesity. We aim to examine the relationship of hepcidin with insulin resistance, hepatosteatosis and dyslipidemia, which are metabolic disorders in obesity.

Interconnected inflammatory mechanisms are expected to contribute to the development of inflammation-induced anemia. In our study, we observed an increased likelihood of developing iron deficiency when insulin resistance is present. However, in cases of isolated dyslipidemia or hepatosteatosis, there was no significant difference in the risk of iron deficiency among obese individuals. This finding suggests that insulin resistance is the primary driver of iron deficiency and elevated hepcidin levels, which are key components of the inflammatory cascade.

The noteworthy finding of lower hepcidin levels in cases with concurrent insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hepatosteatosis suggests a potential decrease in hepcidin production due to both intense chronic inflammation and liver steatosis-related hepatocyte damage.

Our study contributes to the growing understanding of the complex relationships between obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hepatosteatosis, and their impact on iron metabolism.

For a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms at play and the development of targeted treatments, further collaborative research is necessary.

Keywords: Iron, Nutrition, Obesity, Pregnancy