Hepcidin in elderly Ecuadorians: A link between inflammation, BMI, and iron status

Iron (Fe) deficiency is prevalent among obese & elderly individuals. Hepcidin (HC), the main regulator of Fe homeostasis, is important to this relationship. Low‐grade chronic inflammation present in obesity up‐regulates HC, lowering Fe status; however, there is limited information in overweight & obese elders. The obesity epidemic has expanded to developing countries, affecting the growing elderly population. It is thus important to study Fe status & HC in this group globally. We determined associations between inflammation, BMI, Fe status, & HC in 258 elders (>65 y) from poor peri‐urban areas of Quito, Ecuador. On average, women (n=164) had higher BMI & HC, but lower transferrin saturation (Tsat) than men (n=94): 26 ± 4 vs. 24 ± 3 kg/m 2 (P<0.0001); 32 (1–310) vs. 24 (1–312) ng/ml (P=0.09); 26 ± 10 vs. 28 ± 12 % (P=0.11), respectively. We found significant positive associations between HC & CRP (r=0.29; P<0.0001), & CRP & BMI (r=0.18; P<0.01); & an inverse association between CRP & Tsat (r= −0.24; P<0.001). There was a categorical trend for HC to be highest in obese, compared to overweight & lean, women (P=0.08). In summary, this is the first report suggesting HC's involvement in chronic inflammation and Fe status of overweight and obese elders of less developed countries. Supported by NIH FIC (1 R03 TW005779‐01A1) & USDA (58‐1950‐7‐707). Grant Funding Source : USDA & NIH