Question
Hepcidin inhibits which of the following?
| A. |
Absorption of cobalamine
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| B. |
Transfer of iron into enterocytes
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| C. |
Folic acid synthesis
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| D. |
Respiratory oxidase
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Show Answer
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Correct Answer � B
Explanation
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|
Ans. is ‘b’ i.e., Transfer of iron into enterocytes
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Hepcidin is a protein that plays a central role in the regulation of iron homeostasis in the body. It is mainly produced by the liver in response to various stimuli, including elevated iron levels, inflammation, and erythropoiesis.
Hepcidin functions by binding to ferroportin, which is a cellular iron exporter present on the basolateral surface of enterocytes (intestinal cells involved in nutrient absorption) and on the surface of macrophages that store iron. When hepcidin binds to ferroportin, it induces its internalization and degradation. As a result, the transfer of iron from the enterocytes into the bloodstream is inhibited, which ultimately reduces dietary iron absorption. Furthermore, by targeting ferroportin on macrophages, hepcidin also decreases the release of iron from these cells into the bloodstream.
