Iron transportation proteins Hepcidin and Ferroportin and alterations in depressive and anxiety disorders

Objective: Iron element has critical roles such as myelin synthesis and neurotransmitter synthesis. Critical enzymes and proteins strictly control iron metabolism. Alterations in the enzyme activities could modify iron metabolism. Metabolic and endocrine changes may influence iron turnover in patients with major depression and anxiety disorders. 
Materials and Methods: 30 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), 30 with anxiety disorders (ADs) according to the DSM 5 criteria, and 30 healthy controls were included. Hamilton Depression and Anxiety Scales were the clinical evaluation tools. Blood samples were collected 12 hours of fasting. Hepcidin and Ferroportin levels were measured with ELISA method.
Results: Both Hepcidin and Ferroportin levels were lower in the MDD group compared to the ADs group, Hepcidin levels were found to be statistically significantly lower (p= 0.014). In addition, an inverse correlation was observed between the Hamilton Depression Scale score and Ferroportin levels (r= -0.214, p<0.05).
Conclusion: Decreased Hepcidin and Ferroportin levels indicate metabolic effects in patients with MDD and disruption of the feedback mechanism between the two proteins. Considering the long duration of the disease in the MDD group in our study, the treatment period was also thought to be prolonged and the use of antidepressants might affect negative feedback.