Effect of body mass index reduction on serum hepcidin levels and iron status in obese children

Abstract

Iron deficiency has been linked to obesity. Hepcidin is the main regulator of iron homeostasis and is higher in obese children compared to controls. To gain insight into the link between obesity and hepcidin, we performed an intervention study in 15 obese children. These children were subjected to a 6-month weight loss program and underwent physical examination and iron status and absorption as well as hepcidin, interleukin-6 and leptin serum levels evaluation at baseline and after the weight loss program. After the program all children reduced their body mass index standard deviation score (BMI SDS) of at least 0.5. We observed a significant decrease in hepcidin (P ¼ 0.003) and leptin levels (P ¼ 0.005), and a significant increase in iron absorption (P ¼ 0.02). A direct correlation between the measure of hepcidin and leptin reduction was observed and this correlation appeared significant (r 2 ¼ 0.33, P ¼ 0.003) when adjusted for interleukin-6 and BMI SDS variations. In conclusion, we have shown that, in obese children, BMI reduction is associated with hepcidin reduction, potentially improving iron status and absorption. Implications of these findings could be considered in the management of obese children with poor iron status.

Decreased cardiotrophin-1 levels are associated with a lower risk of developing the metabolic syndrome in overweight/obese children after a weight loss program

“…Furthermore, decreased levels or no change -as seen in our study for IL-6-were observed in obese children following WL programs [44][45][46]. The reported differences could be explained by the intervention design (duration, type, and lifestyle changes), characteristics of participants (age, sex, family lifestyle) and other factors.…”

Iron Biology, Immunology, Aging, and Obesity: Four Fields Connected by the Small Peptide Hormone Hepcidin

“…The first one, by Tussing-Humphreys et al (47) showed that 6 mo after bariatric surgery obese women had a substantial decrease in systemic inflammation (measured as CRP and IL-6) and serum hepcidin as well as an improvement in iron status markers. The second study, by Amato et al (61) found that obese children losing weight through CR experienced a decrease in serum IL-6 and hepcidin, accompanied by enhanced iron status. They also observed an improvement in iron absorption after weight loss.…”

“…Amato et al (61) 2010 Obese children (n = 15) undergoing a 6-mo calorierestricted diet (Italy) BMI, iron status (sFe, Tsat, ferritin), iron absorption (iron load test), serum hepcidin, IL-6, and leptin…”

Hepcidin in Human Iron Disorders: Diagnostic Implications

“…The low-grade inflammation in obese and dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome patients, (characterized by the association of increased body iron stores and metabolic features), is associated with increased hepcidin concentrations, leading to poor iron absorption and causing ACD (116,117,180,181 ). Serum hepcidin concentrations decreased, and an increase in iron status and intestinal absorption was observed in individuals with weight loss (182,183 ). Thus, in chronic mild inflammatory conditions, such as obesity or the metabolic syndrome, even a mild hepcidin excess may be sufficient to alter the balance between iron loss and iron uptake toward iron deficiency.…”