From immunity to iron homeostasis: Understanding the predictive power of hepcidin-to-ferritin ratio

In this letter, we present a brief overview of recent studies on the hepcidin-to-ferritin ratio, emphasizing its emerging role as a crucial biomarker in understanding the interplay between iron metabolism and immune responses, particularly in inflammatory diseases. We discuss the dynamics of hepcidin and ferritin in various clinical settings, including their responses in conditions like septic shock and COVID-19. The letter highlights the ratio's predictive capacity for disease severity and patient outcomes. It calls for further research to explore its potential in personalized medicine, thereby contributing to precision diagnostics and improved patient care strategies.