Hepcidin is also positively regulated by inflammation, particularly by interleukin-6 (IL-6) via the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)- janus kinase 1/2 (JAK1/2) pathway as part of the innate protective mechanisms that are activated in response to infections, in order to induce iron sequestration in the body stores and to prevent its utilization by micro-organisms [26]. Here, STAT3 is linked to infection.