Iron is an essential micronutrient for human health, but excess levels can lead to tissue damage. In 2001, researchers discovered that the liver secretes a peptide hormone called hepcidin, which serves as the primary regulator of systemic iron balance. Hepcidin acts by binding to ferroportin, the only known cellular iron exporter found on the surface of macrophages and enterocytes. Upon binding, hepcidin induces the internalization and degradation of ferroportin. This action directly halts the release of iron into the blood plasma, effectively lowering circulating iron levels. Consequently, when hepcidin levels are abnormally low, ferroportin remains active, leading to excessive iron absorption and accumulation in vital organs.
According to the text, how does hepcidin affect circulating iron levels?
- AIt directly binds to circulating iron molecules in the plasma to prevent tissue damage.
- It induces the internalization and degradation of ferroportin, which halts the release of iron into the blood plasma.Cevap
- CIt serves as a cellular exporter that transports iron directly out of enterocytes.
- DIt triggers the liver to synthesize more ferroportin when systemic iron levels drop.