There are controversial experimental works about the way of EPO in protection against
DCM; whether EPO action is through making better metabolic condition and glycemic
control or the antioxidant and antiapoptotic effect. So ,the aim of this study was to evaluate
the modulating effects of EPO on some biochemical markers in diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Fifty male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups of 10rats each. The rats of
group Ⅰ served as normal control. Group Ⅱ received HFD for 1month and STZ in a
concentration of 35mg/kg intraperitoneal. Group Ⅲ:(Diab + Gliben) diabetic rats treated
with glibenclamide, Gliben was given at a dose (0.6 mg/kg orally) for 4 weeks, Group Ⅳ:
Diabetic rats treated with EPO; twice a week 4 weeks' duration. (1,000 IU/kg) and Group Ⅴ:
diabetic rats treated by both (EPO + Gliben) with the same previous doses for 4 weeks'
duration. At the end of experiment serum samples and cardiac tissues were obtained from the
sacrificed rats. Cardiac enzymes, blood glucose levels, serum insulin level and oxidative
stress markers were estimated. Diabetic cardiomyopathy changes were confirmed by
electrophysiological and histopathological results as well as increased serum activity o f
cardiac enzymes and high blood glucose levels. EPO exhibited myocardial protection in rats
with DCM, at least in part through antioxidant effect and better glycemic control. However,
this study was based on animal models in vivo, and detailed molecular mechanisms should be
further investigated using in vitro studies. Clinical trials may also be considered to validate
the results in humans, following further pre-clinical studies.