Serum iron levels and response to hepatitis B virus

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Abstract
Response to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection [HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody to HBsAg (anti-HBs)], serum Fe, total Fe-binding capacity, hematological status (erythrocytes, Hb and hematocrit) and evidence of liver damage (serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase; aspartate aminotransferase, L-aspartate:2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase, EC 2.6.1.1) were determined for 201 patients on chronic renal dialysis. Serum Fe level, transaminase level, sex and HBV response [i.e., infected-HBsAg(+), anti-HBs(+) or no response] were analyzed simultaneously to test the hypothesis that serum Fe is higher in those with HBsAg in their serum than in those without HBsAg, independent of the transaminase level. Serum Fe is higher in those HBsAg(+). Serum Fe is higher in those with increased transaminase. Transaminase is higher in those HBsAg(+). Males are more likely to be HBsAg(+) and females are more likely anti-HBs(+). Those who are HBsAg(+) have significantly higher percent Fe saturation (serum Fe/total Fe-binding capacity). Increased Fe levels may play a role in susceptibility and response to HBV infection and higher Fe levels may be related to the likelihood of HBV infection progressing to primary hepatocellular carcinoma.