Mechanism of iron metabolism disorder in patients with chronic hepatitis C

Since the liver is the major iron storage organ in human body,iron metabolism disorder is closely related to chronic hepatitis. So far,the mechanisms underlying iron overload in chronic hepatitis C( CHC) have not been fully elucidated. Highly complex regulation of hepcidin relies on a number of variables,including hepatic inflammatory conditions of different stages,transferrin- bound iron circulation,and intracellular iron storage. All these factors are associated with variations in hepatic iron concentrations among patients with hepatitis C virus( HCV)- related chronic liver disease. This paper discusses the regulation of systemic iron homeostasis,the relationship between CHC and iron metabolism disorder,and the mechanism of inducing iron overload. In- depth understanding about iron homeostasis and the relationship between relevant signaling pathways will contribute to the control and therapy of HCV- related diseases.