HAMP and infection: While IL-6−induced synthesis of hepcidin, as a response to infection, is considered a general host defense mechanism against iron-dependent microorganisms, persistent inflammation and high hepcidin levels result in sequestration of iron in the macrophages of the reticuloendothelial system and reduced duodenal iron absorption, dysregulated iron homeostasis, decreased iron available for erythropoiesis and thus, anemia of chronic disease [72].