Beyond hematopoietic property; administration of erythropoietin for nephroprotection

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is defined as an abrupt or rapid decline in renal filtration function. Erythropoietin (EPO) as a hematopoietic and multifunctional hormone is produced primarily by kidney. Many investigations have shown that EPO as an antioxidant agent has shown several effects such as anti-apoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory and also angiogenic activities. The biological activities of EPO are mediated by binding to its receptor (EPOR). The potential role of EPO in kidney is related to the presence of functional EPOR in renal mesangial cells, tubular epithelial cells and the glomerulus. Antioxidants and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers such as EPO, can protect the kidneys against conditions that induce nephrotoxicity. Most studies in the field of renoprotective effects of EPO have focused on AKI models. In this paper we sought to review the ameliorative effects of EPO against various agents or conditions that induce nephrotoxicity including ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI), cisplatin, gentamicin, rhabdomyolysis, amikacin and vancomycin.