The Association of Hepcidin with Specific Inflammatory and Biochemical Markers in Individuals with Chronic Renal Failure

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a frequent and complex condition that involves chronic loss of kidney function, inflammation, and biochemical changes compromising metabolic balance. AIM OF STUDY: The purpose of the study was to compare the correlation of hepcidin with some inflammatory and biochemical parameters in patients with chronic renal failure and to analyze the effect of various demographic parameters such as age and body mass index on these parameters. METHODOLOGY: The current study was undertaken in 2025 in Tikrit, Iraq, using 60 patients with chronic kidney failure and 30 healthy subjects. The blood samples were collected from the veins and centrifuged and stored serum was at − 20°C until analyzed. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit was used to measure hepcidin level and a Roche COBAS analyzer was used to measure C-reactive protein (CRP) level. Standard biochemical techniques and commercial assay kits were used to measure urea, creatinine, albumin, and uric acid. All laboratory analyses performed in accordance with approved quality control procedures. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found between the patients with chronic renal disease and healthy controls for most of the parameters investigated in the study. Patients had significantly higher urea, creatinine, uric acid, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, reflecting undesirable renal function, and inflammatory state. However, serum albumin levels were significantly lower in patients than in controls, indicating an imbalance in protein metabolism in patients with CKD. The results underscore the close relationship between renal dysfunction, inflammation, and disturbances in biochemical parameters in patients with the disease. CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicate that the biochemical and inflammatory abnormalities of chronic kidney failure are primarily due to the disease itself, rather than to age or body mass index, especially when it comes to the traditional renal function markers, urea, and creatinine.