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Updated: May 20, 2026
Invasive Hemodynamic Characterization of the Portal-hypertensive Syndrome in Cirrhotic Rats
Published on: August 1, 2018
Protective effects of erythropoietin on cirrhotic cardiomyopathy in rats
Li Liu1, Hongqun Liu, Soon Woo Nam
1Liver Unit, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada.
Introduction:
Erythropoietin exerts cardioprotective effects. The present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of erythropoietin on cirrhotic cardiomyopathy.
Materials And Methods:
Rats were divided into 5 groups: sham control; sham+ erythropoietin; bile duct ligation; bile duct ligation+erythropoietin; bile duct ligation+erythropoietin+anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) antibody and were studied 4 wk after surgery. Erythropoietin was administrated for 10 days before the study date. TNFα, erythropoietin receptor-1 expression and oxidative stress-related parameters were measured. In separate groups, isolated cardiomyocytes were subjected to contractile and relaxation studies. Cardiomyocyte cell line was used to test the direct effect of erythropoietin on nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2(Nrf2).
Results:
Erythropoietin receptor-1, TNFα and oxidative modified proteins were significantly increased (p<0.01), and the antioxidant regulator Nrf2 transcription decreased in cirrhotic hearts (p<0.01). Erythropoietin reversed these parameters. Maximal cardiac contractile and relaxation velocity was significantly decreased in cirrhotic cardiomyocytes. Erythropoietin significantly reversed these inhibitions. Anti-TNFα antibody significantly decreased cardiac TNFα content but did not further increase contractility.
Conclusions:
TNFα and oxidative stress are involved in cardiac dysfunction in the cirrhotic heart. Erythropoietin significantly decreased TNFα and oxidative stress and reversed the impaired cardiac function.
