The Effects of Human Recombinant Erythropoietin on Various Hemato-biochemical Parameters in Nephrectomized Rabbits

This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of exogenous human recombinant erythropoietin (rHuEPO) on various hemato-biochemical parameters before and after unilateral nephrectomy. A total of 12 adult healthy rabbits were selected and divided into two groups: experimental group A and control group B. The group A (n=6) were treated with rHuEPO @ 1000 IU via subcutaneous route and placebo group B (n=6) without rHuEPO treatment followed by unilateral nephrectomy. Blood sampling was performed three times; 1st five days before surgery, 2nd; just before surgery and 3rd was performed after 5th day of unilateral nephrectomy. Evaluation of hematological and biochemical parameters including red blood cells (RBCs), mean corpuscular volumn (MCV) hemoglobin (Hb),total leukocyte count (TLC), packed cell volume (PCV), reticulocyte count (RC) and platelets counts, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was done. The data was analyzed statistically by t-test using SPSS version 20. In group A, values of RBCs, MCV, Hb, PCV, RC and platelets count was high after nephrectomy as compared to group B with a significant difference (p≤0.05). Preoperative values of serum creatinine and BUN in group A was declined after 1st injection of rHuEPO at day 5th postoperatively. At day 10th there was rise in its value but this rise was non-significant (p≥0.05). It is concluded that, rHuEPO increases the process of erthythropoisis. Due to its safety, efficacy and lack of systemic effects, rHuEPO can be used as alternate therapy of blood transfusions and hemato-biochemical disorders while performing nephrectomy or any other surgical interventions.