Erythropoietin has long been used in renal failure patients for its hematopoeitic
properties. It has recently been claimed to possess cytoprotective effects on many
other cell lines including renal tubular cells .The aim of the present study was to
assess the possible effects of erythropoietin on prevention of contrast induced renal
failure in male rats. Methods: Thirty-two male albino rats were divided into four
groups (n=8 each): control (C), contrast media (CM), erythropoietin (E) and rats
treated with one single dose erythropoietin (4000 IU/Kg) IP 30 minutes before IV
injection of the high osmolar contrast media diatrizoate (6 ml/kg) (E+CM). All the
groups were subjected to dehydration for 72 hours before any injections were done.
Hematological indices, kidney function parameters, oxidative stress markers, tumor
necrosis factor alpha as a marker for inflammation and caspase 3 activity as a
marker for apoptosis were measured after 72 hours of injections. Results: Injection of
diatrizoate in dehydrated animals resulted in reduction of GFR, increased blood urea
nitrogen and serum creatinine. It was associated with increased TNFα release and
increased activation of caspase 3 as well as increased oxidative stress in kidney
homogenates. Erythropoietin injection prior to the injection of the contrast medium
significantly improved renal function parameters and was associated with a reduction
in TNF alpha production, a reduction of caspase 3 activity and an increase in
superoxide dismutase activity in the kidneys. Conclusion: Erythropoietin can infer
protective effects to the kidneys against contrast induced nephropathy through
mechanisms that are independent of its effect on the red cell mass.