The Hepcidin-25/Ferritin Ratio Is Increased in University Rugby Players with Lower Fat Mass

Abstract

Hepcidin-25 is suggested as a surrogate iron status marker in athletes who show exercise-induced anemia; however, the implications of hepcidin concentration in this population remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hepcidin and body fat levels in rugby football players. We included 40 male university rugby football players (RUG) and 40 non-athlete controls. All participants underwent an anthropometric analysis and blood testing that included both hepcidin-25 and ferritin levels. The hepcidin-25 level was slightly (11.6%, p = 0.50) higher, and the ferritin level was significantly (35.9%, p < 0.05) lower, in the RUG group than in controls. The hepcidin-25 to-ferritin ratio was significantly higher (62.5%, p < 0.05) in the RUG group. While significant U-shaped correlations were observed between the body fat and ferritin levels in both groups, the correlations between the hepcidin levels and fat mass index were significantly higher in the RUG group (RUG: r = 0.79, controls: r = 0.45). Notably, the RUG with the lower fat mass index group had a higher hepcidin-25 level, lower ferritin level, and then significantly higher hepcidin-25/ferritin ratio. The hepcidin-25/ferritin ratio may serve as a biomarker for iron status in RUG, especially RUG with lower fat mass.

The Ferritin, Hepcidin and Cytokines Link in the Diagnoses of Iron Deficiency Anaemia during Pregnancy: A Review

“…The idea of using ratios is not a new one [31] but would be a novel approach in predicting IDA risk in pregnant women. Most iron-status-related ratios have been studied in cohorts which are different to pregnancy, such as cirrhosis [32], blood donors [31], haemoglobinopathies [33], neurodegeneration [34] and athletes [35]. However, applying this approach to pregnancy would potentially be beneficial to further guide treatment allowing for a more cost-effective, non-invasive and preventative strategy.…”