Level of hepcidine in patients with ankylosing spondylitis, association with anemia and the severity of the disease

Abstract

The aim: To assess the level of hepcidin in patients with AS, to determine its connection to the disease and various forms of anemia. Materials and methods: 118 patients with ankylosing spondylitis were examined and hematological, biochemical, immunologic indicators of the general parameters of hematopoiesis and ferrokinetics, plasma levels of CRP, IL-6 and hepcidin were determined. Results: It was found that high levels of hepcidin are found in 25% of patients with AS, 50% are limiting and only 25% are optimal. The serum levels of hepcidin in patients with AS are independent of the age, sex, and duration of the disease, but are closely associated with the activity (ESR, CRP, IL-6, BASDAI, and ASDAS levels) of the disease. Close pathogenetic connection of hepcidin with the formation of anemic syndrome was established. Patients with ACD were characterized by the highest levels of hepcidin. Conclusions: Hepcidin plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ACD in patients with AS and can be used as a diagnostic marker for differential diagnosis.