Which protein acts as the primary 'gatekeeper' of iron absorption in the duodenum and is regulated by Hepcidin?
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Correct answer: Ferroportin
Ferroportin is the only known cellular iron exporter. Hepcidin binds to ferroportin and induces its degradation, thereby trapping iron inside enterocytes and macrophages and reducing plasma iron levels.
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More Iron Deficiency Anemia questions
- Which of the following lab profiles is most consistent with uncomplicated iron deficiency anemia?
- What is 'Koilonychia' and which condition is it most associated with?
- Where is the majority of dietary iron absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract?
- What happens to the Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) in the early stages of iron deficiency anemia?
- Which form of dietary iron is most easily absorbed by the human gut?
- Which of the following would you expect to see on a bone marrow biopsy stained with Prussian Blue in a patient with iron deficiency anemia?