Evaluation of Hepcidin and Iron-Biochemical Parameters in Pregnant Women in Samarra City

Abstract Background: Some studies have shown that the hepcidin hormone is inhibited during pregnancy, as the results indicated that hepcidin is at lower levels during pregnancy than in a nonpregnant state, and it is assumed that this happens to ensure greater bioavailability of iron for the mother and fetus. Objectives: This study aimed to estimate hepcidin concentration and iron homeostasis with some biochemical variables for pregnant women. Materials and Methods: A total of 90 blood samples were collected. Of 90 blood samples, 69 from pregnant women, which were divided into three groups according to the three pregnancy periods (23 samples for each period), and 21 blood samples from nonpregnant women (control group), levels of hepcidin, ferritin, iron, hemoglobin, total binding capacity of iron, unsaturated capacity of iron, transferrin and percentage of transferrin saturation were estimated in the pregnant women and nonpregnant women groups. Results: The results indicated a decrease in the concentration of hepcidin, iron, ferritin, hemoglobin, and the percentage of transferrin saturation at a probability P < 0.05, while a rise was observed in the level of total iron-binding capacity, unsaturated binding capacity of iron, and transferrin concentration at a probability P < 0.05 in blood serums of pregnant women compared with nonpregnant women. The results showed significant correlations in the serums of the groups under study. Conclusion: The results showed a significant decrease in the concentration of each of the hormone hepcidin, iron, hemoglobin, ferritin, and the percentage of transferrin saturation, with a significant increase in the level of total iron-binding capacity, unsaturated binding capacity of iron, and transferrin concentration.