Poyap, interesting topic & good summary there.

We have discussed it briefly before. Anyway, I would like
to ask: as you said, it is one of the body's defence
mechanisms to rid or at least control the growth of
invading pathogens. In chronic infections despite all
these mechanisms, the infection still persists. So my
question is; how effective is this 'anemia' in controlling
infection. Have you come across some papers that prove
clearly using in vitro experiments, its effectiveness.

Infact, it would be possible to do such experiment in
vitro. Culture, say any pathogen (TB bacteria etc.) &
apply different amount of iron & also deplete iron & study
the bugs' growth patterns. I know there are some culture
medium rich in blood or iron (blood agar etc.).

The value of hepcidin agonists as a therapy is very
interesting, but what do you think about the
non-specificness. I mean hepacidin agonist would reduce
iron absorption from the gut so the entire body is
depleted of iron & not only the invading bugs.

Any other thoughts on this interesting topic?

William





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