Effects of Intravenous Injection of Erythropoietin on Hepcidin Pharmacokinetics in Healthy Volunteers

Effects of Intravenous Injection of Erythropoietin on Hepcidin Pharmacokinetics in Healthy Volunteers

The aim of this study is to measure the variations of serum and urinary hepcidin levels following a single intravenous injection of erythropoietin in healthy volunteers. Hepcidin is a major regulator of iron homeostasis. It acts by binding on ferroportin, and limits cellular efflux of iron through enterocytes and macrophages. Anemia and hypoxia are known to modulate hepcidin synthesis. In these situations, erythropoietin synthesis is increased, so it can be postulated that erythropoietin could modulate hepcidin synthesis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• healthy volunteers
• male aged 18 - 30
• normal routine laboratory values
• normal ECG
• normal iron status

Exclusion Criteria:

• C282Y mutation of the HFE gene
• alcohol or tobacco consumption