Does liver failure cause hyperferremia (elevated serum iron levels)?

From the Research

Liver failure can indeed cause elevated serum iron levels, as the liver's ability to regulate iron metabolism becomes impaired, leading to increased iron in the bloodstream. The liver normally produces hepcidin, a hormone that controls iron absorption and distribution in the body. When liver function deteriorates, hepcidin production decreases, resulting in increased intestinal iron absorption and release of stored iron from cells. Additionally, liver damage can cause the release of iron from damaged hepatocytes directly into the circulation. This dysregulation is particularly common in conditions like hemochromatosis, alcoholic liver disease, and hepatitis C.

According to the most recent study 1, the liver plays a pivotal role in the regulation of iron metabolism through its ability to sense and respond to iron stores by release of the hormone hepcidin. In response to tissue injury, hepcidin expression can be modulated by other factors, such as inflammation and oxidative stress. The resulting dysregulation of hepcidin is proposed to account for alterations in iron homeostasis that are sometimes observed in patients with liver disease.

Some key points to consider:

• The liver's ability to regulate iron metabolism is impaired in liver failure, leading to increased iron in the bloodstream 1.
• Hepcidin production decreases with liver function deterioration, resulting in increased intestinal iron absorption and release of stored iron from cells 2.
• Liver damage can cause the release of iron from damaged hepatocytes directly into the circulation, contributing to elevated serum iron levels 3.
• Iron overload can also contribute to liver damage, creating a potentially harmful cycle 4, 5.

Management typically focuses on treating the underlying liver disease while monitoring iron parameters, and in some cases may include iron chelation therapy or phlebotomy to reduce iron burden. It is essential to prioritize the treatment of the underlying liver disease to prevent further complications and improve patient outcomes.