Hepcidin mechanism. In inflammatory phenomena, increased hepcidin gene expression causes destruction of ferroportin. As a result, iron absorption and release of iron from macrophages is inhibited which eventually leads to anemia of chronic disorders.

Abbreviations: BMP6, bone morphogenetic protein 6; BMPR, bone morphogenetic protein receptor; HFE, human hemochromatosis protein; HJV, hemojuvelin; IL-6, interleukin 6; IL-6R, interleukin 6 receptor; Tfr2, transferrin receptor 2.