Hepcidin and the soluble transferrin receptor: significance in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of anemia of chronic diseases in patients with HIV infections

Anemia of chronic disease (ACD) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a common complication that reduces quality of life and worsens prognosis. The study of hepcidin and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of ACD remains relevant. The aim of the study was to compare the secretion of hepcidin and sTfR in patients with HIV infection who developed ACD, iron deficiency anemia (IDA), and their combination. We assessed their impact on erythrocytes and hemoglobin and determined their diagnostic significance in the differential diagnosis of ACD and IDA. Material and methods. A total of 125 HIV-infected patients were examined, who were divided into ACD, ACD/IDA, IDA, and a control group without anemia based on the criteria of Van Santen and Worwood. Patients in all groups were comparable in age and sex. Results . Comparative analysis showed that in the IDA group, the concentration of hepcidin was minimal and sTfR was maximal. In the ACD group, the concentration of sTfR did not differ from the control group, while the concentration of hepcidin was lower than that in the control group. In the ACD group, a moderate correlation was found between hepcidin, sTfR, erythrocytes, and hemoglobin. Their diagnostic significance for the differential diagnosis of ACD and IDA was found to be low. Conclusion . The study established a minor role for hepcidin and sTfR in the development of ACD in HIV patients and their low diagnostic significance for the differential diagnosis of ACD and IDA, which is significantly lower than that of ferritin. Further research into the pathogenesis of ACD in HIV-infected patients is needed.