Hepc是新近发现的一种由肝脏分泌的小分子信号肽,正常情况下可通过调节铁的吸收和利用而维持机体铁稳态的平衡,当机体缺铁时Hepc表达水平下降,而铁负荷过重时Hepc表达水平增高。Hepc与慢性病贫血、某些遗传性血色素沉着症的发生密切相关,在母胎间铁转运调节中也可能具有重要作用,现将有关方面的研究进展综述如下。 Hepc, a recently discovered small molecule signal peptide secreted by the liver, normally maintains a homeostatic balance of iron by regulating iron absorption and utilization. Hepc levels decline as the body is iron-deficient, whereas iron overload Heavy Hepc expression levels increased. Hepc is closely related to the anemia of chronic diseases and some hereditary hemochromatosis. It may also play an important role in the regulation of iron transport between maternal and fetal tissues. The research progress of Hepc is summarized as follows.