Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and proinflammatory cytokine levels - including tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukins 1 and 6 - are increased in 30-50% of the patients with CKD.1,2,3 IL-6 increases serum levels of hepcidin, a liver-derived peptide hormone that inhibits the duodenal absorption of iron and the mobilization of iron in the reticuloendothelial system.2 High hepcidin levels lead to iron sequestration and hypoferremia. This evidence concerns the gene HAMP and chronic kidney disease.