Search Results (245)

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate whether neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio (NPAR) levels on admission have prognostic significance regarding one-year major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) in non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 464 patients aged 59.2 ± 11.6 years constituted the cohort of this retrospectively designed study. Considering a 1-year follow-up period, the patients were divided into two groups: those with MACCEs and those without. The complete blood count, serum C-reactive protein and serum albumin levels were measured at admission. The NPAR, C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR) and systemic immune-inflammation (SII) index were calculated for all patients, and the associations of these inflammatory-based biomarkers with 1-year MACCEs were evaluated. Results: During the 12-month follow-up period, MACCEs were observed in 75 (16.2%) patients, of which 35 (7.5%) patients died. The patients with MACCEs had higher CRP (p < 0.001), a higher percentage of neutrophils (p < 0.001), lower albumin levels (p < 0.001), a higher CAR (p < 0.001), a higher SII index (p = 0.008) and a higher NPAR (p < 0.001). A high anatomical SxSI score, a high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, hypoalbuminemia, high neutrophil counts, a high NPAR level and a high CAR level were independent predictors for one-year MACCEs (all p < 0.05). The NPAR (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.775, p < 0.001) and albumin level (AUC = 0.708, p < 0.001) had better and sufficient discriminatory power and predictive accuracy in determining one-year MACCEs, when compared to the neutrophil (AUC = 0.693, p < 0.001), CAR (AUC = 0.639, p < 0.001) and SII index (AUC = 0.660, p < 0.001), in terms of the receiver operating characteristic curve. The DeLong test revealed that the predictive performance of the NPAR was superior to that of the other inflammatory parameters. In particular, individuals with an NPAR value greater than 17.6 were at greater risk of developing MACCEs (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The NPAR can be used as a newly identified promising inflammatory biomarker to predict one-year MACCEs in NSTEMI patients undergoing revascularization therapy. Full article

Background: Postmenopausal osteoporosis is characterized by impaired bone metabolism, inflammation, and nutritional deficiencies. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of inflammatory and nutritional markers in identifying decreased bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women. Methods: This cross-sectional study retrospectively analyzed postmenopausal women from January 2018 and December 2023. A total of 368 women were divided into three groups based on T-scores: 61 women with osteoporosis (T-score ≤ −2.5), 153 women with osteopenia (−1 > T-score > −2.5), and 154 women with normal BMD (T-score > −1). Inflammatory and nutritional biomarkers included the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), pan-immune inflammation value (PIV), geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI), triglycerides, total cholesterol, and body weight index (TCBI), prognosis nutritional index (PNI), hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet (HALP) score, 25-OH Vitamin D level, Na, K, Ca, Mg, and their ratios. Results: The GNRI was significantly lower in the osteoporosis group compared to the control group. The NLR, PLR, SII, SIRI, PIV, TCBI, PNI, and HALP were similar between the groups. The GNRI and TCBI showed a positive correlation with T-scores. The Mg level was lower in the osteoporosis group than in the control group and osteopenia group, and the Na/Mg ratio was higher. Additionally, the Ca/Mg ratio was lower in the osteoporosis group than in the control group. The T-score was positively correlated with Mg and Ca/Mg, while the Na/Mg ratio showed a significant negative correlation. Vitamin D, other minerals, and their ratios did not show significant differences between the groups. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the GNRI could serve as a useful indicator for assessing bone health and the risk of osteoporosis. Furthermore, maintaining appropriate levels of Mg and balanced Na/Mg and Ca/Mg ratios appears crucial for BMD. Full article

Background and Objectives: Although a wide range of hematological parameters are used as blood-based inflammatory biomarkers, the role of complete blood count-derived inflammatory biomarkers in infection after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is modest. Therefore, this study aimed to explore complete blood count-derived inflammatory biomarkers as predictors of infection after AIS. Materials and Methods: A single-center retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out at the National Brain Center Hospital Prof. Dr. dr. Mahar Mardjono, Jakarta, Indonesia, between 1 October 2023, and 31 March 2024, using medical records of hospitalized first-ever ischemic stroke patients who underwent a complete blood count within 24 h of admission. Based on complete blood count-derived inflammatory biomarkers, this study included absolute numbers and related ratios or indices. Results: In total, 163 patients met the study criteria. The diagnosis of infection after AIS was established using reliable clinical symptoms and/or guidelines of the disease. According to the status of infection after AIS, the subjects were categorized into two groups, including 24 patients in the infection group and 139 patients in the non-infection group. Biomarkers that had significant accuracy (higher sensitivity and specificity, respectively) in predicting infection were the leukocyte count (LC; 70.8%, 74.1%, p < 0.001), absolute neutrophil count (ANC; 66.7%, 79.9%, p < 0.001), absolute monocyte count (AMC; 75.0%, 63.3%, p = 0.001), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR; 62.5%, 71.9%, p = 0.003), derivative NLR (dNLR; 50.0%, 78.4%, p = 0.003), monocyte–granulocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MGLR; 62.5%, 73.0%, p = 0.003), systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI; 62.5%, 79.0%, p = 0.001), and systemic immune inflammation index (SII; 87.5%, 44.0%, p = 0.012) with chances of 74.4%, 75.4%, 71.0%, 69.0%, 68.7%, 69.3%, 73.4%, and 66.2%, respectively. Conclusions: Considering the overall ROC curve used to evaluate the complete blood count-derived inflammatory biomarkers, ANC has a better ability to predict infection in AIS patients, as denoted by the highest AUC, suggesting a 75.4% chance of correctly discriminating patients with infection after stroke. Full article

Objectives: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a potentially malignant disorder and a chronic inflammatory condition of an immune nature. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between immune-inflammatory biomarkers in patients with OLP and a control group. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study with 129 patients (62 with OLP and 67 controls) in which clinical and laboratory data were analyzed. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), the mean platelet volume (MPV) index, and the parameter of systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) were assessed. Results: In patients with OLP, the average time of progression was significantly longer when the condition manifested in the atrophic–erosive form (4.3 ± 3.2 years) as opposed to the reticular form (1.8 ± 0.9 years) (p = 0.018). With regard to NLR, no differences were found in terms of age (p = 0.346 (r = 0.08)), tobacco use (p = 0.807), sex (p = 0.088), alcohol consumption (p = 0.281), clinical form of OLP (p = 0.55), time of progression of OLP (p = 0.309 (r = −0.13)), and number of sites (p = 0.217). The same was observed for the systemic immune-inflammation index. Conclusion: The lack of significant statistical associations between the biomarkers and parameters (NLR, PLR, MPV, and SII index) in patients with oral lichen planus makes such parameters of very limited use in clinical OLP practice. Full article

Hematopoiesis is a complex physiological process that ensures renewal of blood cells to maintain normal blood circulation and immune function. Wujin pigs exhibit distinct characteristics such as tender meat, high fat storage, strong resistance to roughage, robust disease resistance, and oxidation resistance. Therefore, using Wujin pigs as models may offer valuable insights for hematopoietic-related studies. In this study, twelve healthy 35-day-old piglets, including six Wujin and six Duroc piglets of similar weight, were selected from each of the Wujin and Duroc pig groups and housed in single cages. After 30 days of feeding, blood and bone marrow samples were collected. Routine blood indices and hematopoietic-related serum biochemical indexes of Wujin and Duroc pigs were determined, and bone marrow gene expression levels were analyzed using transcriptomics. (1) Hemoglobin (Hb) and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) levels in Wujin pigs were significantly higher than in Duroc pigs (p < 0.05), and platelet counts and serum Hb levels in Wujin pigs were significantly lower than in Duroc pigs (p < 0.05). (2) A total of 312 significantly differentially expressed genes were identified between the pigs. Their functions were mainly related to blood systems, inflammation, and oxidation. Six differentially expressed genes may be related to hematopoietic function. (3) By combining the differential genes screened through sequencing with Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis results, 16 hematopoietic function differential genes were obtained, mainly focusing on immunity, inflammation, and induction of apoptosis functions. Differences were present in the immune and inflammatory responses between Wujin pigs and Duroc pigs, suggesting that differences in hematopoietic function between the two breeds were related to antioxidant capacity and disease resistance. Full article

Studying models of healthy aging and exceptional longevity is crucial to understanding a possible longevity signature, as most show resistance to age-related diseases. In particular, semi- and supercentenarians are a highly selected group, having survived significant adversities, including the Spanish flu and COVID-19 pandemics, indicating distinctive immune system characteristics. This paper analyzes the inflammatory scores (INFLA-score, Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI)) and Aging-Related Immune Phenotype (ARIP) indicators calculated from the dataset of the DESIGN project, including 249 participants aged 19–111 years, aiming to understand the immune-inflammatory (IMFLAM) role in achieving longevity. Statistical analyses, including linear regression and one-way ANOVA, were performed to explore the correlations between these parameters and age. Both INFLA-score and SIRI showed a significant increase with age. However, no statistical differences were found when comparing the values of semi- and supercentenarians to other age groups, which are similar to adults and lower than younger centenarians. Regarding ARIP values, it is noteworthy that when comparing the CD8⁺ Naïve/Effector scores between groups, no significant differences were observed between the semi- and supercentenarian group and the other groups. These results support the idea that the control of IMFLAM response can promote extreme longevity. Full article

Background: Patients aged 80 years and above are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic utility of the derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (dNLR), aspartate-aminotransferase-to-lymphocyte ratio index (ALRI), aspartate-aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), and systemic immune inflammation index (SII) in predicting severe disease, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and mortality among COVID-19 patients aged 80 years and older. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 138 elderly patients (≥80 years) and 215 younger controls (<65 years) with confirmed COVID-19 were included. Laboratory data at admission were collected, and the dNLR, ALRI, APRI, and SII scores were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess the predictive performance of these indices. Results: The SII had the highest area under the ROC curve (AUC) for predicting severe disease in elderly patients (AUC = 0.857, 95% CI: 0.795–0.919, p < 0.001), with an optimal cutoff value of 920 × 10⁹/L (sensitivity 86%, specificity 78%). Elevated SII was significantly associated with increased risk of ICU admission (hazard ratio (HR): 2.9, 95% CI: 1.8–4.6, p < 0.001) and mortality (HR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.9–5.2, p < 0.001). Similarly, dNLR showed good predictive value (AUC = 0.792, 95% CI: 0.722–0.862, p < 0.001). Conclusions: SII and dNLR are valuable prognostic biomarkers for predicting severe outcomes in COVID-19 patients aged 80 years and above. Early identification using these indices can assist clinicians in risk stratification and management decisions to improve patient outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Inflammation and immunological dysregulation are central to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a complex autoimmune disease. Recently, there has been increasing interest in the potential role of dietary factors in SLE. This study aimed to explore the relationship between diet and SLE by addressing patient needs, conducting a systematic review, and providing guidance to the patient community. Methods: This four-step study started with a survey of patients with SLE that was conducted to gather frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to diet. Using the PICO framework, two comprehensive systematic literature searches were performed in PubMed to address these FAQs. Subsequently, the evidence retrieved was used to answer FAQs and provide guidance to people with SLE. A second survey was conducted to gather patient feedback on the topics and guidance provided. Results: A literature review of 28 systematic reviews was performed, evaluating the impact of diet on inflammation, immune response, and health outcomes in SLE patients. The review focused on key nutritional elements, including vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin supplements, and low-calorie or low-glycemic index diets. Seven guidance statements were developed based on these findings. All the answers provided were positively assessed by participants. Conclusions: This patient-centered study improves our understanding of the diet–SLE relationship through systematic reviews and patient feedback. While specific dietary recommendations for SLE are not yet established, patient input underscores the need for ongoing research to optimize treatment strategies and quality of life for those with SLE. Full article

Background and Objectives: Odontogenic infections (OIs) can progress rapidly and may lead to severe systemic complications, especially in patients with underlying conditions like diabetes mellitus (DM). This study aims to evaluate the predictive value of inflammatory scores—quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA), Systemic Immune–Inflammation Index (SII), derived Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (dNLR), and Odontogenic Infection Severity Score (OISS)—in assessing the severity of OIs in diabetic versus non-diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: A case–control study was conducted on 123 patients diagnosed with OIs. Patients were divided into two groups: patients with diabetes (n = 42) and patients who were non-diabetic (n = 81). Inflammatory scores were calculated at admission and correlated with clinical outcomes. Statistical analyses included t-tests, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression. Results: The patients with diabetes exhibited significantly higher OISS scores (mean 6.5 ± 2.8) compared to the patients who were non-diabetic (mean 4.8 ± 2.1, p < 0.001). The inflammatory markers qSOFA, SII, and dNLR were significantly elevated in the diabetic group (all p < 0.01). The SII demonstrated the highest predictive accuracy for severe OIs in patients with diabetes, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.88 (95% CI: 0.80–0.95). Diabetes mellitus was an independent predictor of severe OIs (OR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.5–6.8, p = 0.003). Conclusions: Inflammatory scores, particularly SII, are effective in predicting the severity of odontogenic infections in patients with diabetes. Incorporating these scores into clinical practice may enhance the early identification of high-risk patients and improve management strategies. Full article

Background and Objectives: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes due to their compromised immune systems and chronic inflammatory state. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the inflammatory status of COVID-19 patients with CKD, stratified by creatinine clearance (CrCl) levels: CrCl < 30 mL/min, CrCl 30–60 mL/min, and CrCl > 60 mL/min. Multiple inflammatory scores combining laboratory parameters were assessed, including novel scores and established indices. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 223 patients admitted with confirmed COVID-19 were included and divided into three groups based on CrCl levels: CrCl < 30 (n = 41), CrCl 30–60 (n = 78), and CrCl > 60 (n = 104). Laboratory parameters including C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), ferritin, platelet count, absolute neutrophil count (ANC), absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), and serum albumin were collected. Multiple inflammatory scores were calculated, including inflammation scores (IS1–IS4), the systemic inflammatory index (SII), the C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR), the lymphocyte-to-C-reactive protein ratio (LCR), and the prognostic nutritional index (PNI). Statistical analyses were performed to compare inflammatory scores among groups and assess correlations with clinical outcomes. Results: The CrCl < 30 group exhibited significantly higher levels of inflammatory markers and inflammatory scores compared with the other groups (p < 0.001). Among the additional scores, CAR and SII were significantly elevated in patients with lower CrCl levels, while LCR and PNI were decreased. CAR showed a strong positive correlation with COVID-19 severity (r = 0.65, p < 0.001), and PNI was inversely correlated with mortality (r = −0.58, p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis indicated that lower CrCl levels, higher IS3 and CAR, and lower PNI were independent predictors of severe COVID-19 outcomes. Conclusions: CKD patients with lower CrCl levels have an amplified inflammatory response during COVID-19 infection, as evidenced by elevated inflammatory scores. The additional inflammatory scores, particularly CAR and PNI, may serve as valuable tools for risk stratification and management of COVID-19 in CKD patients. Early identification of patients with high CAR and low PNI could improve clinical outcomes through timely therapeutic interventions. Full article

Introduction: In recent years, several inflammation-related factors and nutritional parameters have been evaluated to develop prognostic scores as potential biomarkers in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The aim of this study was to retrospectively investigate the prognostic role of the advanced lung cancer inflammation (ALI) index, lung immune prognostic index (LIPI), prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and systemic inflammation score (SIS) in metastatic NSCLC patients receiving ICI alone or in combination with chemotherapy. Methods and patients: We retrospectively included 191 patients with advanced NSCLC who received first-line ICI with or without chemotherapy from 2017 to 2024. The association between pretreatment ALI, LIPI, PNI, and SIS and overall survival (OS) was evaluated using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression models. Results: After a median follow-up of 27.7 months, significantly longer OS was associated with an ALI score > 18 vs. ≤18 (18.0 vs. 7.3 months; p = 0.00111), LIPI score 0 vs. 1 and 2 [18.9 vs. 8.2 and 4.2 months; (p = 0.001)], PNI ≥ 45 vs. <45 (22.7 vs. 9.6 months; p = 0.002), and SIS score 0 vs. 1 and 2 (27.4 vs. 7.1 and 8.6 months, respectively; p < 0.001). The OS benefit was independent of treatment (ICI vs. ICI + chemotherapy). At multivariate analysis, pretreatment albumin was positively associated with OS, while ECOG PS 1 and liver metastases were negatively associated with OS. Conclusions: Inflammatory and nutritional biomarkers such as the ALI, LIPI, PNI, and SIS represent useful tools to prognosticate survival in metastatic lung cancer patients treated with ICI alone or in combination with chemotherapy as first-line. Full article

Background and objectives: Sjögren Syndrome (SS) is a chronic, systemic, and progressive autoimmune disease in which inflammatory processes play a role. Dry eyes or mouth are present in approximately 95–98% of patients with pSS. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between SII level and disease activity as well as dry eye involvement in patients with pSS. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional design was employed, and a total of 28 female patients who were aged 18–65 years and were diagnosed with pSS were involved. The Sjögren Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) was calculated in patients. The Schirmer test was applied to all patients. The relationship between SII level and disease activity as well as dry eye involvement in pSS patients was evaluated. Results: In our study, a strong positive correlation was found between the SII value and pSS disease activity, while a negative correlation was found between the Schirmer test, which shows dry eye findings, and eye drying time, and a positive correlation was found with the OSDI. Conclusions: this study reported a correlation between hematological parameters and the development of dry eye in pSS. NLR, PLR, and SII showed statistically significant changes in pSS patients. Full article

Oxidative stress and inflammation accompany endothelial dysfunction that results from the excessive or uncontrolled production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) in older adults. This study was designed to assess the usefulness of serum oxi-inflammatory component combinations in vascular disease prediction and prevention with regard to sex. Women (n = 145) and men (n = 50) aged 72.2 ± 7.8 years participated in this project. The females demonstrated the elevated production of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂₎ and nitric oxide (NO) responsible for intravascular low-density lipoprotein oxidation. NO generation was enhanced in the women, but its bioavailability was reduced, which was expressed by a high 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NitroT) concentration. The relation of NO/3-NitroT (r_s = 0.811, p < 0.001) in the women and NO/3-NitroT (r_s = −0.611, p < 0.001) in the men showed that sex determines endothelial dysfunction. RONS generation in the women simultaneously promoted endothelial regeneration, as demonstrated by a ~1.5-fold increase in circulating progenitor cells. Inflammation-specific variables, such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, the systemic immune inflammation index, and the neutrophil-to-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio, were reduced in the women and showed their diagnostic utility for clinical prognosis in vascular dysfunction, especially the C-reactive-protein-to-HDL ratio (AUC = 0.980, specificity 94.7%, sensitivity 93.3%, OR = 252, 95% CI 65–967, p < 0.001). This study is the first to have revealed sex-specific changes in the oxi-inflammatory response, which can generate the risk of cardiovascular events at an older age. Full article

Objectives: Identifying reliable biomarkers to predict mortality in critically ill patients is crucial for optimizing management in intensive care units (ICUs). Inflammatory and metabolic markers are increasingly recognized for their prognostic value. This study aims to evaluate the association of various inflammatory and metabolic markers with ICU mortality. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted from January 2023 to January 2024 in the City Hospital’s ICU. A total of 160 critically ill patients were enrolled. Laboratory parameters, including white blood cell (WBC) count, red cell distribution width (RDW), platelet count, neutrophil count, mean platelet volume (MPV), monocyte count, lymphocyte count, procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), calcium (Ca⁺⁺), and vitamin D levels, were analyzed. Additionally, ratios such as the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), systemic inflammatory index (SII), and pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV) were calculated. Plasma levels of Gla-rich protein (GRP) and dephosphorylated uncarboxylated matrix Gla protein (dp-ucMGP) were measured using ELISA. Results: The mean age of the patients included in the study was 60.5 ± 15.8 years. Cardiovascular disease was present in 72 patients (45%), respiratory system disease in 58 (36%), and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in 38 (24%). Additionally, 61 patients (38%) had diabetes, and 68 (42%) had hypertension. Inflammatory markers, including PLR, NLR, and PIV, were all significantly higher in non-survivors, while calcium and vitamin D levels were lower (p < 0.05). Higher WBC, RDW, neutrophil count, PLR, NLR, PIV, CRP, procalcitonin, GRP, and dp-ucMGP levels were positively correlated with longer hospital stays and increased mortality. In contrast, platelet and lymphocyte counts were negatively correlated with both outcomes (p < 0.05). Vitamin D levels showed an inverse relationship with both hospital stay and mortality, indicating that lower levels were associated with worse outcomes (p < 0.05). In multiple logistic regression analysis, elevated WBC count (OR = 1.20, p = 0.02), RDW (OR = 1.35, p = 0.01), neutrophil count (OR = 1.25, p = 0.01), MPV (OR = 1.20, p = 0.02), PLR (OR = 1.30, p = 0.01), NLR (OR = 1.40, p = 0.001), PIV (OR = 1.50, p = 0.001), CRP (OR = 1.32, p = 0.01), procalcitonin (OR = 1.45, p = 0.001), GRP (OR = 1.40, p = 0.001), and dp-ucMGP (OR = 1.30, p = 0.001) levels were significantly associated with increased mortality. Conclusions: Inflammatory and metabolic markers, particularly NLR, PLR, PIV, GRP, and dp-ucMGP, are strong predictors of mortality in ICU patients. These markers provide valuable insights for risk stratification and early identification of high-risk patients, potentially guiding more targeted interventions to improve outcomes. Full article

Objectives: Hepcidin is a biomarker produced by hepatocytes in chronic disease anemia and is known to increase during chronic inflammation. This study compares the hepcidin levels in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients and controls, evaluating its relationship with anemia and systemic inflammation in IPF patients. Methods: This study included 82 IPF patients and 31 controls. Hepcidin levels were compared between the two groups. In the IPF group, the hepcidin and anemia parameters were compared between anemic and non-anemic patients. The significance between the hepcidin and systemic inflammation parameters such as Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, CRP (C-reactive protein) levels, ferritin levels, and the Systemic Immune–Inflammation Index (SII) was investigated. Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and ferritin levels were measured using automated analyzers. Hepcidin and erythropoietin (EPO) levels were determined using ELISA kits. Results: A significant difference in hepcidin levels was found between the IPF and control groups (37.13 ± 14.92 vs. 25.77 ± 11.25, p < 0.001). No significant difference in hepcidin levels was found between anemic and non-anemic IPF patients (38.25 ± 16.2 vs. 36.7 ± 14.6, p = 0.719). No significant correlation was found between hepcidin levels and anemia parameters (serum iron, ferritin, vitamin B12, serum transferrin, transferrin saturation, total iron-binding capacity, hemoglobin, folate, and erythropoietin) in IPF patients. Despite significant differences in the systemic inflammation parameters (ferritin and CRP) between patients and controls, no significant correlation was found between their hepcidin and systemic inflammation parameters. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that the hepcidin levels in IPF patients are elevated independently of anemia and systemic inflammation. We propose that hepcidin could be a potential biomarker to be investigated in IPF patients. Full article