EPO and anemia (phenotype): Several studies have shown elevated hepcidin levels in CKD, and it is now considered to be the critical link between inflammation and anemia in CKD patients.[26] Epo hyporesponsive patients exhibit a more marked inflammatory activation and higher hepcidin levels.[27] A recent study has shown alteration in the hepcidin gene expression by IL-6.[28] The hepcidin levels correlate weakly with TSAT, but not with any of the markers of inflammation.