Hepcidin mediates hypoferremia and reduces the growth potential of bacteria in the immediate post-natal period in human neonates.

ABSTRACT: Septicemia is a leading cause of death among neonates in low-income settings, a situation that is deteriorating due to high levels of antimicrobial resistance. Novel interventions are urgently needed. Iron stimulates the growth of most bacteria and hypoferremia induced by the acute phase response is a key element of innate immunity. Cord blood, which has high levels of hemoglobin, iron and transferrin saturation, has hitherto been used as a proxy for the iron status of neonates. We investigated hepcidin-mediated redistribution of iron in the immediate post-natal period and tested the effect of the observed hypoferremia on the growth of pathogens frequently associated with neonatal sepsis. Healthy, vaginally delivered neonates were enrolled in a cohort study at a single center in rural Gamb

SUBMITTER: Prentice S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6851364 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature