The Journal of laboratory and clinical medicine
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Several growth factors, such as growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1, have been used to reverse the high rate of catabolism observed either after an operation or during serious illness. We conducted a pilot study in Wistar rats in an attempt to assess whether regulatory peptides widely used in clinical practice, such as erythropoietin (EPO) and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), alone or in combination, might influence the metabolism after surgery. Forty animals were randomly allocated into four groups (one control group and three experimental groups; 10 animals per group). ⋯ In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the administration of rHuEPO appears to have a beneficial positive effect on the body weight, hematocrit, and healing rate and the breaking strength of large bowel anastomoses in rats. These observations provide evidence of an as-yet-unknown anabolic effect of EPO, and they may expand its usual applications. However, more studies are needed to confirm our findings and furthermore to define the optimal dose and timing of EPO administration.