[Influence of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) on plasma levels of selected hormones in females with rheumatoid arthritis]. / Wplyw leczenia niedokrwistosci za pomoca ludzkiej erytropoetyny uzyskanej metodt rekombinacji genetycznej (rHuEPO) na stezenie w osoczu wybranych hormonów u kobiet chorych na reumatoidalne zapalenie stawów.

During recent years, it was shown, that treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) stimulates erythropoiesis in patients both with renal and nonrenal anaemia. Additionally in patients with chronic renal failure treated with rHuEPO a significant, however only transient, influence on function of endocrine glands was also found. The present study aimed to asses for the first time the influence of rHuEPO on function of endocrine organs in anaemic patients with rheumatoid arthritis and normal renal function. Twenty two woman with rheumatoid arthritis and concomitant anaemia (Ht < or = 30%) were enrolled into the study. In 13 of them rHuEPO was used during 4 months (5000 IU 2 times per week s.c.). The rest 9 woman with similar degree of anaemia did not receive rHuEPO therapy. In woman of both groups intensive clinical and biochemical monitoring during 4 months period was performed. Blood samples were withdrawn before and after 4 months of rHuEPO therapy or clinical observation only. In these blood samples plasma concentrations of somatotropin (HGH), insulin (IRI), aldosterone (ALD), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25OHD3), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and plasma renin activity (PRA) were estimated. After 4 months of rHuEPO therapy significant increase of plasma IRI, ANP concentrations and significant decrease of PRA and plasma ALD, HGH concentrations were found. Therapy with rHuEPO does not influence significantly plasma iPTH and 25OHD3 concentration. During 4 months of clinical observation in patients not treated with rHuEPO, plasma concentrations of HGH, IRI, ALD, ANP, 25OHD3, iPTH and plasma renin activity (PRA) did not change significantly. Results obtained in this study suggest, that rHuEPO therapy does influence the function of endocrine organs also in patients with rheumatoid arthritis with normal renal function.