Pathogenetic aspects of hepcidin metabolism and ferrocinetics dysregulation in carbohydrate metabolism disorders

Hepcidin, a hormone regulating iron metabolism, has received attention for its role in the pathogenesis of dysregulations in carbohydrate metabolism. Hepcidin disorders in patients with diabetes mellitus are bi-directional: manifesting as iron overload syndrome in cases of decreased hepcidin production and as anaemia of chronic disease in cases of hepcidin hypersecretion. However, till date, detailed analyses of mechanisms underlying hepcidin dysregulation have not been conducted nor have the interactions of ferrocinetic and carbohydrate-metabolic disorders been examined. An association between diabetes mellitus and neurodegenerative diseases as well as the role of iron metabolism in Alzheimer or Parkinson diseases is a subject of ongoing research. This review provides a summary of the current understanding of hepcidin regulation and its disorders in various diseases, including diabetes mellitus and neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, we provide an overview of the available therapies that address ferrocinetic disorders resulting from the dysregulation of hepcidin

The associations of incretin hormone concentration with gestational diabetes mellitus

Background: Enteropancreatic hormonal system disorder is a possible reason for β-cell dysfunction and carbohydrate metabolism disorder among pregnant women. However, no information is available about the state of enteroinsulin hormones [glucagon, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), glucagon-like peptide1 (GLP-1) and GLP-2] during pregnancy. The role of enteroinsulin hormones in the development of carbohydrate metabolism disorder during pregnancy is poorly understood.  Aim: To quantify and compare incretin hormone secretion in groups of pregnant women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).  Materials and methods: The study included 80 patients, 50 of whom had GDM, and the control group consisted of 30 pregnant women without GDM. All patients underwent an oral glucose tolerance test; glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) estimation; ferritin, transferrin, basal and postprandial glucagon estimation; GLP-1 and GLP-2 estimation.  Results: Basal glucagon and GLP-1 levels were significantly higher (p 0. 05) in the group of women with GDM than in the control group. The most significant differences in GLP-1, basal and postprandial glucagon levels were observed during the first trimester of pregnancy.  Conclusion: High GLP-1 levels in the group of women with GDM may reflect a state of ‘incretin resistance’, which is similar to hyperinsulinemia in the early stages of type 2 diabetes mellitus