What Are the Potential Consequences of Excess Iron in Chronic HCV Infection?
Is Iron Depletion Therapy Beneficial for Patients with HCV? Conclusions References and Recommended Reading Serum iron markers are often elevated in hepatitis C virus infection, particularly in African-American persons, although the clinical significance of this finding remains unclear. Although hepatic iron is usually only mildly elevated in hepatitis C virus, iron overload is associated with more advanced disease, nonresponse to interferon monotherapy, and increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Iron status does not predict response to interferon and ribavirin combination therapy. Most studies indicate that HFE mutations are associated with increased iron stores and advanced fibrosis. Iron depletion therapy may delay disease progression. Introduction Iron homeostasis is critical for all multicellular organisms because iron is an essential element necessary for many basic biological processes; however, excess iron may also be highly cytotoxic. Mammals do not have an active mechanis
