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. 2023 Apr 7;47(7):554–563. doi: 10.1038/s41366-023-01299-0

Fig. 1. A summary of human iron regulation.

Fig. 1

Hepcidin, produced primarily by hepatocytes, reduces iron efflux from cells and duodenal iron absorption by reducing the stability of the ferroportin transporter (green). Hepcidin is mainly regulated via the bone morphogenic protein (BMP)/SMAD signalling pathway. The inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) induces hepcidin. In response to cellular hypoxia the kidneys release erythropoietin (EPO), which stimulates erythropoiesis and the production of erythroferrone from erythroblasts. Erythroferrone inhibits hepcidin release, thereby increasing iron absorption and release of iron from stores. Image created in Biorender.com.