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Early erythroferrone levels can predict the long-term hemoglobin responses to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents
  • Peng Xu,
  • Raymond Wong,
  • Xiaoyu Yan
Peng Xu
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
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Raymond Wong
The Chinese University of Hong Kong Faculty of Medicine
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Xiaoyu Yan
The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Abstract

Background and Purpose: Our previous study reported that erythroferrone (ERFE), a newly identified hormone produced by erythroblasts, responded to recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) sensitively but its dynamics was complicated by double peaks and circadian rhythm. This study intends to elucidate the underlying mechanisms for the double peaks of ERFE dynamics, and further determine whether early ERFE measurements can predict hemoglobin (HGB) responses to rHuEPO. Experimental Approach: By expressing recombinant rat ERFE protein and investigating its deposition in rats, the production of ERFE was deconvoluted. To explore the role of iron in ERFE production, we monitored short-term changes of iron status after injection of rHuEPO or deferiprone (DFP). Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modelling was used to confirm the mechanisms and examine the predictive ability of ERFE for long-term HGB responses. Key Results: The rRatERFE protein was successfully expressed and purified. The production of ERFE was deconvoluted and showed two independent peaks (2 h and 8 h). Transient iron decrease was observed at 4h after rHuEPO injection and DFP induced significant increases of ERFE. Based on this mechanism, the PK/PD model could characterize the complex dynamics of ERFE. In addition, the model predictions further revealed a stronger correlation between ERFE and HGB peak values than that for observed values. Conclusions and Implications: The complex dynamics of ERFE should be composited by an immediate release and transient iron deficiency-mediated secondary production of ERFE. The early peak values of ERFE, which occur within a few hours, can predict HGB responses several weeks after ESA treatment.
18 Sep 2023Submitted to British Journal of Pharmacology
19 Sep 2023Submission Checks Completed
19 Sep 2023Assigned to Editor
19 Sep 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
28 Sep 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
20 Nov 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
25 Jan 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
10 Feb 20242nd Revision Received
13 Feb 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
13 Mar 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
15 Mar 2024Submission Checks Completed
15 Mar 2024Assigned to Editor
15 Mar 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
18 Mar 2024Editorial Decision: Accept