The ferroportin protein expression had the same pattern as seen at the mRNA level; however, the significance found in the ALD group was lost and the increase in ferroportin protein in ALD patients without iron overload and anaemia did not reach statistical significance compared with controls (1.90-fold, P = 0.0746 and 2.08-fold, P = 0.1685, respectively; Fig. 2G–J). This evidence concerns the gene SLC40A1 and anemia.