Preoperative erythropoietin treatment improves survival following major hepatic resection in a cirrhotic rat model

Abstract

Aim: Major hepatic resection of a cirrhotic liver may result in a fatal clinical course. Preoperative erythropoietin (EPO) treatment has been shown to have protective properties and to stimulate liver regeneration. This study aims to investigate the effect of preoperative EPO on survival following major hepatic resection in a cirrhotic rat model. Methods: Cirrhotic liver was induced by intraperitoneal injection of thioacetamide (200 mg/kg/mL) in 72 Lewis rats. Each 36 rats received EPO (1 IU/g, every second day, 5 times preoperatively) or saline (control) and major hepatectomy (removal of the left and half of the median lobe) was performed. Biochemical and inimunohistochemical parameters, cytokines and overall survival were compared following surgery. Results: Rats that received preoperative EPO had decreased hepatic aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and interleukin (IL)-1 beta expression, 48 hours following surgery. They had increased hepatocyte growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor expression at 1 hour, increased IL-6 expression at 24, 48 and 120 hours and increased Ki-67, 120 hours following surgery. Overall, survival was significantly improved among EPO-treated rats (P=0.034). Conclusion: Preoperative EPO treatment has a protective effect and stimulates liver regeneration, leading to improved overall survival following major hepatectomy in a cirrhotic rat model. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.