GSTM1 and Sepsis: Considering the fact that the lifespan of erythrocytes of approximately 120 days might be shortened due to inflammation and the fact that hepcidin suppresses erythropoiesis itself, we hypothesized that if hepcidin is upregulated by inflammation and thereby suppresses serum iron levels, a measurable effect on Hb level was expected from seven days onwards after the diagnosis of sepsis.