Calcitriol and Erythropoietin Protect Against Cardiac Injury Induced by Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion

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Cardiac abnormalities and dysfunction are the most important complications after renal ischemia-reperfusion (IR). Thus, investigation and development of effective treatment to decrease cardiac damage induced by renal ischemia are necessary. This study examined the effects of treatment with calcitriol and erythropoietin (EPO) on cardiac injury induced by renal ischemia. Wistar albino rats were unilaterally nephrectomized and subjected to 45 min of renal pedicle occlusion, followed by 24 h reperfusion. Calcitriol and EPO were administered before ischemia. After 24 h reperfusion, blood samples were collected for the determination of biochemical parameters, and kidney and cardiac samples were taken for histological studies. Renal IR increased BUN-Cr levels, lipid profiles, and myocardial injury markers (CK-MB and LDH). Histopathological findings of the IR group confirmed that there were glomerular atrophy and acute tubular necrosis in the renal tissues and lymphocyte infiltration and intercellular edema in the cardiac samples. Treatment with calcitriol and EPO boosted cardiac and renal functions and improved the morphological changes. It seems that calcitriol or EPO administration could protect against the kidney and cardiac damage induced by IR. Also, the combination of calcitriol and EPO may exert more beneficial effects than either agent used alone.