Effect of HBP on iron metabolism in A-CKD in a mouse model. (A) Experimental schema used to induce A-CKD in mice and assess the effects of HBP on A-CKD. The schema details the time of AdS injection and HBP (or vehicle) administration. On day 7, A-CKD mice were randomly divided into vehicle-administered group (gray arrow) and HBP-administered group (black arrow). Mice in both groups were treated for an additional 14 days. (B-H) To assess the effect of HBP on A-CKD, the following biochemical and hematological parameters were determined in the control group (n = 5) and AdS-treated group (n = 6) on day 7 and the vehicle-administered group (n = 6) and HBP-administered group (n = 7) on day 21: plasma levels of hepcidin, ferritin, iron (Fe), and EPO; and the hematological parameters RBC count, serum Hb levels, and hematocrit. Values represent means ± SD. ∗P < .05. HCt, hematocrit.