The Neuroprotective Effect of Erythropoietin on the Optic Nerve and Spinal Cord in Rats with Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis through the Activation of the Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 1/2 Signaling Pathway.

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis is a demyelinating disease that causes paralysis in laboratory rats. This condition lacks treatment that reverses damage to the myelin sheaths of neuronal cells. Therefore, in this study, treatment with EPO as a neuroprotective effect was established to evaluate the ERK 1/2 signaling pathway and its participation in the EAE model. EPO was administered in 5000 U/Kg Sprague Dawley rats. U0126 was used as an inhibitor of the ERK 1/2 pathway to demonstrate the possible activation of this pathway in the model. Spinal cord and optic nerve tissues were evaluated using staining techniques such as H&E and the Luxol Fast Blue myelin-specific technique, as well as immunohistochemistry of the ERK 1/2 protein. The EPO-treated groups showed a decrease in cellular sampling in the spinal cord tissues but mainly in the optic nerve, as well as an increase in the expression of the ERK 1/2 protein in both tissues. The findings of this study suggest that EPO treatment reduces cellular death in EAE-induced rats by regulating the ERK pathway.

Effect of Minimization of Early Blood Sampling Losses Among Extremely Premature Neonates: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of blood sampling stewardship on transfusion requirements among infants born extremely preterm. STUDY DESIGN: In this single-center, randomized controlled trial (RCT), infants born at <28 weeks of gestation and birth weight of <1000 g were randomized at 24 hours of age to two different blood sampling approaches: restricted sampling (RS) vs conventional sampling (CS). The stewardship intervention in the RS group included targeted reduction in blood sampling volume and frequency and point of care testing methods in the first 6 weeks after birth. Both groups received early recombinant erythropoietin from day three of age. Primary outcome was the rate of early red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in the first six postnatal weeks. RESULTS: A total of 102 infants (mean gestational age: 26 weeks; birth weight: 756 g) were enrolled. Fidelity to the sampling protocol was achieved in 95% of the infants. Sampling losses in the first 6 weeks were significantly lower in the RS group (16.8 ml/kg vs 23.6 ml/kg, P < .001). The RS group had a significantly lower rate of early postnatal RBC transfusions (41% vs 73%, RR: 0.56 [0.39-0.81], P = .001). The hazard of needing a transfusion during neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay was reduced by 55% by RS. Mortality and neonatal morbidities were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Minimization of blood sampling losses by approximately one-third in the first 6 weeks after birth leads to substantial reduction in the early red blood cell transfusion rate in infants born extremely preterm and weighing <1000 g at birth. TRIAL REGISTRATION: http://www.ctri.nic.in (CTRI/2020/01/022  964).

Targeting EphA2: a promising strategy to overcome chemoresistance and drug resistance in cancer.

Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular A2 (EphA2) is a vital member of the Eph tyrosine kinase receptor family and has been associated with developmental processes. However, it is often overexpressed in tumors and correlates with cancer progression and worse prognosis due to the activation of its noncanonical signaling pathway. Throughout cancer treatment, the emergence of drug-resistant tumor cells is relatively common. Since the early 2000s, researchers have focused on understanding the role of EphA2 in promoting drug resistance in different types of cancer, as well as finding efficient and secure EphA2 inhibitors. In this review, the current knowledge regarding induced resistance by EphA2 in cancer treatment is summarized, and the types of cancer that lead to the most cancer-related deaths are highlighted. Some EphA2 inhibitors were also investigated. Regardless of whether the cancer treatment has reached a drug-resistance stage in EphA2-overexpressing tumors, once EphA2 is involved in cancer progression and aggressiveness, targeting EphA2 is a promising therapeutic strategy, especially in combination with other target-drugs for synergistic effect. For that reason, monoclonal antibodies against EphA2 and inhibitors of this receptor should be investigated for efficacy and drug toxicity.

Erythropoietin effects on cryopreserved/transplanted cat ovarian tissue: A comparison of two incubation methods.

Many feline species are currently threatened with extinction. Therefore, germplasm bank establishment has become imperative. However, cryoinjury and ischemia-reperfusion injury pose significant obstacles to both cryopreservation and xenotransplantation. In this regard, erythropoietin (Epo) represents a potential alternative strategy due to its properties. This study aimed to assess the incubation of domestic cat ovarian tissue in Epo, both before and after cryopreservation, and investigate its effectiveness in promoting revascularization following xenotransplantation. Sixteen ovaries from 8 healthy cats were sliced following elective bilateral ovariohysterectomy (OHE). Subsequently, 8 fragments measuring 3 mm³ each were obtained from the cortical region of each ovary. The fragments were allocated into 3 treatment groups: Cryo group, fragments were cryopreserved, thawed and immediately transplanted; Cryo + Epo group, fragments were first cryopreserved in nitrogen, thawed, incubated in Epo (100 IU) for 2h and transplanted; and the Epo + Cryo group, in which fragments were first incubated in Epo (100 IU) for 2h, cryopreserved, thawed and immediately transplanted. The fragments were then xenotransplanted into the dorsal subcutaneous region of ovariectomized female nude mice and retrieved at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days post-transplantation. The results indicated that Epo effectively enhanced follicular survival, preservation of viability, and tissue revascularization. The Epo + Cryo group displayed better revascularization rates on D14 and D21 post-transplantation and an increase in primordial and growing follicles on D28, the Cryo + Epo group exhibited significantly more follicles on D14 and D21, with fewer degenerated follicles.

Learning induces EPO/EPOr expression in memory relevant brain areas, whereas exogenously applied EPO promotes remote memory consolidation.

Memory and learning allow animals to appropriate certain properties of nature with which they can navigate in it successfully. Memory is acquired slowly and consists of two major phases, a fragile early phase (short-term memory, <4 h) and a more robust and long-lasting late one (long-term memory, >4 h). Erythropoietin (EPO) prolongs memory from 24 to 72 h when animals are trained for 5 min in a place recognition task but not when training lasted 3 min (short-term memory). It is not known whether it promotes the formation of remote memory (≥21 days). We address whether the systemic administration of EPO can convert a short-term memory into a long-term remote memory, and the neural plasticity mechanisms involved. We evaluated the effect of training duration (3 or 5 min) on the expression of endogenous EPO and its receptor to shed light on the role of EPO in coordinating mechanisms of neural plasticity using a single-trial spatial learning test. We administered EPO 10 min post-training and evaluated memory after 24 h, 96 h, 15 days, or 21 days. We also determined the effect of EPO administered 10 min after training on the expression of arc and bdnf during retrieval at 24 h and 21 days. Data show that learning induces EPO/EPOr expression increase linked to memory extent, exogenous EPO prolongs memory up to 21 days; and prefrontal cortex bdnf expression at 24 h and in the hippocampus at 21 days, whereas arc expression increases at 21 days in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.

Frequency of red blood cell transfusions in preterm neonates in Brazil: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Red blood cell transfusions are frequent in preterm neonates. The proportion of preterm neonates transfused in Brazil remains unknown. We systematically reviewed the literature to estimate the frequency of red blood cell transfusions in preterm neonates in Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The LILACS, EMBASE, Cochrane, SciELO, MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, BDTD and 27 national university institutional databases were searched for studies that analysed red blood cell transfusion in preterm neonates in Brazil without period restriction. The Preferred Reporting Items in Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed, and the GRADE methodology was applied. A random-effects model along with the restricted maximum likelihood method was used, and the Freeman-Tukey transformed proportion was used to estimate effect size. RESULTS: Nine studies, representing 6548 preterm neonates, were included in the qualitative and quantitative analyses. The mean gestational age ranged from 26.0 to 31.6 weeks. Most of the studies were from the Southeast region. The pooled estimated frequency of red blood cell transfusions was 58.0% (95% confidence interval = 52.0%-64.0%, p < 0.001) with low certainty. There was statistically significant heterogeneity among studies (I2 = 92.5%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this current meta-analysis of the evidence available, which included moderate and extremely preterm neonates, the observed frequency of red blood cell transfusions in preterm neonates in Brazil was 58.0% and this estimate can help health programming. Some Brazilian regions were not included in this study, and further research is needed to provide a more representative overview of Brazil.

Alfaepoetina para o tratamento de pacientes com doença falciforme apresentando declínio da função renal e piora dos níveis de hemoglobina / Epoetin alfa for the treatment of patients with sickle cell disease presenting with declining kidney function and worsening hemoglobin levels

INTRODUÇÃO: A doença falciforme (DF) se refere a um grupo de hemoglobinopatias nas quais a mutação na hemoglobina (Hb) associada à falcização das hemácias é co-herdada com mutações em outras beta globinas. A doença evolui com vaso-oclusão e outras complicações crônicas, graves e multissistêmicas. Uma das principais complicações da DF ­ que ocorre especialmente em pessoas com os genótipos HbSS e HbSbeta0 ­ é a nefropatia falciforme, que pode evoluir desde quadros assintomáticos até doença crônica renal (DRC). Além do tratamento padrão com hidroxiureia e transfusões sanguíneas, diretrizes internacionais recomendam o tratamento com agentes estimulantes da eritropoiese (AEE), como a alfaepoetina para pacientes com comprometimento renal. O uso desse medicamento está consolidado para tratamento da anemia em DRC em pacientes sem DF, estando incorporada ao SUS como pó para solução injetável e em solução injetável para o tratamento desta condição clínica. PERGUNTA: Alfaepoetina em associação ao cuidado-padrão comparada ao cuidado-padrão, é eficaz, efetiva, segura, custo-efetiva e viável economicamente para o tratamento de adultos com DF que apresentam comprometimento renal associado à piora do quadro de anemia? EVIDÊNCIAS CLÍNICAS: Foram incluídos oito estudos observacionais que apresentaram os resultados por meio de análises antes/depois de parâmetros clínicos e hematológicos. O uso de alfaepoetina esteve associado à melhora significativa estatisticamente na concentração de Hb (variação de 4 a 32,8% de aumento nos níveis de Hb comparados aos valores da linha de base, p<0,05), nos níveis percentuais de Hb-F (a diferença variou de 5,2 a 17,1% entre os estudos, p<0,05) e na redução da necessidade de transfusões sanguíneas (resultados quantitativos não reportados). Não houve aumento de crises vaso-oclusivas (CVO) ou tromboembolismo venoso (TEV), sugerindo que o tratamento com alfaepoetina pode ser seguro (resultados quantitativos não reportados). A certeza na evidência pelo GRADE foi muito baixa para todos os desfechos, com preocupações relacionadas ao risco de viés e imprecisão. Ao considerar apenas a evidência para um subgrupo de pacientes (n=4) com comprometimento renal para o desfecho de concentração de Hb (aumento de 29,0%) a certeza na evidência permanece muito baixa, apesar de não haver, neste caso, rebaixamento da qualidade da evidência por evidência indireta. AVALIAÇÃO ECONÔMICA (AE): Foi elaborada uma análise de custo-efetividade/utilidade a partir de modelo de árvore de decisão com horizonte temporal de um ano para avaliar as consequências da alfaepoetina na redução da necessidade de transfusões sanguíneas em termos de custos e ano de vida ajustado por qualidade (QALY). A análise demonstrou que a alfaepoetina + cuidado padrão para o tratamento de adultos com DF apresentando declínio da função renal e piora dos níveis de hemoglobina, quando comparado ao cuidado padrão, apresenta modesto benefício clínico (incremental de 0,033 QALY e redução de custo - R$ 11.564). A alfaepoetina permaneceu como alternativa dominante nas simulações realizadas nas análises de sensibilidade. ANÁLISE DE IMPACTO ORÇAMENTÁRIO (AIO): O tamanho da população elegível foi estimado por demanda aferida combinada à demanda epidemiológica, sendo identificado em média 5.274 pacientes por ano. A taxa de difusão de alfaepoetina variou de 10% a 50% entre primeiro e último anos. O custo direto com aquisição da alfaepoetina variou de R$ 806.129 no primeiro ano a R$ 4.853.242 no quinto ano de incorporação. A AIO construída, atrelada à análise de custoefetividade, sugeriu uma economia de R$ 96.545.791 acumulada em cinco anos. Esta economia é decorrente da efetividade do medicamento em reduzir a necessidade de transfusões frequentes, uma vez que este procedimento está associado a altos custos, como os custos da terapia de quelação de ferro. As análises de sensibilidade reforçaram estes resultados. MONITORAMENTO DO HORIZONTE TECNOLÓGICO: Foram identificadas 2 tecnologias para o potencial tratamento de pessoas com doença falciforme, apresentando declínio da função renal e piora dos níveis de hemoglobina. Crizanlizumabe, anti-P selectina, com registro na Anvisa, EMA e FDA. Voxelotor, registrada na EMA e FDA. PERSPECTIVA DO PACIENTE: Foi aberta Chamada Pública nº 35/2023 para inscrição de participantes para a perspectiva do paciente, durante o período de 21 a 27/09/2023, e 11 pessoas se inscreveram, mas nenhuma atendia aos critérios da chamada. A Secretaria-Executiva da Conitec realizou uma busca ativa junto a especialistas, associações de pacientes e Centros de Tratamento para identificar um usuário do SUS que pudesse fazer o relato na reunião da Conitec. Em sua fala, o participante informou que há 10 anos apresentou elevação nas taxas de potássio, necessitando fazer, na época, uso do medicamento denominado "sorcal" (poliestirenossulfonato de cálcio). Há cerca de cinco anos começou a fazer uso da alfaepoetina. O medicamento, segundo ele, mantém a insuficiência renal controlada sem provocar efeitos adversos. Há algum tempo, entretanto, vem apresentando queda nas taxas de hemoglobina, necessitando receber transfusões de sangue a cada dois meses, procedimento que até então não era rotineiro. Não sabe dizer se o declínio das taxas de hemoglobina se deve ao uso da alfaepoetina. RECOMENDAÇÃO PRELIMINAR DA CONITEC: Os membros do Comitê de Medicamentos presentes na 16ª Reunião Extraordinária da Conitec, realizada no dia 01 de novembro de 2023, deliberaram por unanimidade, que a matéria fosse disponibilizada em consulta pública com recomendação preliminar favorável à incorporação ao SUS da alfaepoetina (rHuePO, eritropoietina humana recombinante) para adultos com doença falciforme, com comprometimento renal associado à piora do quadro de anemia. Discutiu-se a necessidade de estabelecer, no contexto da atualização do PCDT, critérios objetivos de declínio da função renal, queda de hemoglobina e níveis de eritropoetina endógena para compor critérios de uso do medicamento. Sugeriu-se o uso de critérios relativos, como queda de 25% ou mais na TFGe em relação ao valor basal. Ademais, frente às incertezas quanto às evidências de benefício, especialmente no longo prazo, recomendou-se que sejam definidos no PCDT da DF, além dos critérios para uso, critérios de interrupção do tratamento na ausência de benefício clínico. CONSULTA PÚBLICA: A consulta pública nº 56 foi realizada entre os dias 26/12/2023 e 15/01/2024 e recebeu uma contribuição técnico-científica e oito contribuições de experiência e opinião. A contribuição técnico-científica foi emitida pela Associação Brasileira de Hematologia, Hemoterapia e Terapia Celular (ABHH), que se posicionou favoravelmente à incorporação, destacando que a tecnologia irá impactar positivamente a qualidade de vida dos pacientes, possibilitando a redução das transfusões de hemácias e da quelação de ferro, e, consequentemente, reduzindo custos associados às complicações. Especialistas participantes do processo de atualização do PCDT da DF contribuíram apresentado critérios de uso e interrupção do tratamento, tendo em vista as discussões realizadas durante a reunião de apresentação da demanda. Em relação às contribuições recebidas pelo formulário de experiência e opinião, observou-se que em uma delas havia um anexo, o qual, por se tratar de artigo científico, foi encaminhado para ser incorporado à análise das contribuições de natureza técnico-científica. Todas as contribuições concordaram com a recomendação preliminar da Conitec, que foi favorável à incorporação da tecnologia avaliada. A eficácia da tecnologia, a melhora da qualidade de vida e a importância do acesso por meio do SUS foram mencionados como pontos a favor da incorporação. Como resultados positivos e facilidades da tecnologia em avaliação, foram mencionadas a eficácia do medicamento e a importância de estar disponível no SUS. Quanto aos efeitos negativos, ao lado da consideração da inexistência de efeitos negativos, foi mencionada a dificuldade de acesso ao medicamento. RECOMENDAÇÃO FINAL DA CONITEC: Após apreciação das contribuições recebidas na Consulta Pública, os membros do Comitê de Medicamentos presentes na 126ª Reunião Ordinária da Conitec deliberaram, por unanimidade, recomendar a incorporação da alfaepoetina para o tratamento de pacientes com doença falciforme apresentando declínio da função renal e piora dos níveis de hemoglobina conforme Protocolo Clínico do Ministério da Saúde. Foi assinado o Registro de Deliberação nº 871/2024. DECISÃO: incorporar, no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS, a alfaepoetina para o tratamento de pacientes com doença falciforme apresentando declínio da função renal e piora dos níveis de hemoglobina, conforme Protocolo Clínico do Ministério da Saúde, publicada no Diário Oficial da União, nº 66, seção 1, página 109, em 05 de abril de 2024.

Consensus of the Brazilian association of hematology, hemotherapy and cellular therapy on patient blood management: Assessment and management of postoperative anemia

Abstract Postoperative anemia is a complex clinical issue that requires attention due to its ramifications on the patient's recovery and prognosis. Originating from multiple determinants, such as intraoperative blood loss, hemolysis, nutritional deficiencies, systemic inflammation and impact on the bone marrow, postoperative anemia has varied and often challenging presentations. Patients undergoing major surgical procedures, in particular, are susceptible to developing anemia due to the considerable associated blood loss. Accurate diagnosis plays a crucial role in the approach, requiring meticulous hematological analysis, including hemoglobin, hematocrit and reticulocyte count, as well as an in-depth investigation of the underlying causes. An additional challenge arises in the form of the excessive practice of phlebotomy during hospitalization for clinical monitoring. Although it is essential to assess the progression of anemia, frequent removal of blood may contribute to iatrogenic anemia, further delaying recovery and possibly increasing susceptibility to infection.

Consensus of the Brazilian association of hematology, hemotherapy and cellular therapy on patient blood management: Preoperative Phase - Preoperative management of the patient's anemia

Abstract Managing anemia before surgery is extremely important as it is a clinical condition that can significantly increase surgical risk and affect patient outcomes. Anemia is characterized by a reduction in the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin levels leading to a lower oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Proper treatment requires a multifaceted approach to ensure patients are in the best possible condition for surgery and to minimize potential complications. The challenge is recognizing anemia early and implementing a timely intervention to correct it. Anemic patients are more susceptible to surgical complications such as increased infection rates, slower wound healing and increased risk of cardiovascular events during and after surgery. Additionally, anemia can exacerbate existing medical conditions, causing greater strain on organs and organ systems. To correct anemia and optimize patient outcomes, several essential measures must be taken with the most common being identifying and correcting iron deficiency.

Erythropoietin-mediated cardioprotection in hearts subjected to ischemia reperfusion.

Several studies provide evidence that erythropoietin (EPO) could play an important role in the recovery of the heart subjected to ischemia-reperfusion. In this regard, it has been suggested that EPO could be involved in protein kinase B (Akt) activation as a cell survival protein. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of EPO on the Akt/glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK-3ß) pathway in the presence or absence of wortmannin (W, Akt inhibitor) and its relationship with mitochondrial morphology and function preservation in ischemic-reperfused rat hearts. EPO improved the functional recovery of the heart subjected to ischemia-reperfusion, reduced the release of CK and the infarct size, and promoted preservation of the mitochondrial structure. Moreover, it reduced tissue lactate content and preserved glycogen in order to prevent ischemia. The results showed greater Akt activation, accompanied by preservation of swelling and mitochondrial calcium retention capacity, as well as an increase in ATP synthesis capacity. These results were accompanied by an inhibition of GSK-3ß, suggesting regulation of Akt on the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. All these beneficial effects exerted by acute treatment with EPO were prevented by W. The present study provided novel evidence that EPO not only enhances intrinsic activation of Akt during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion but also promotes GSK-3ß inhibition, contributing to mitochondrial structure and function preservation.

A Combined Biomarker That Includes Plasma Fibroblast Growth Factor 23, Erythropoietin, and Klotho Predicts Short- and Long-Term Morbimortality and Development of Chronic Kidney Disease in Critical Care Patients with Sepsis: A Prospective Cohort.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a frequent complication in intensive care unit (ICU) patients that increases mortality and chronic kidney disease (CKD) development. AKI is associated with elevated plasma fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), which can be modulated by erythropoietin (EPO) and Klotho. We aimed to evaluate whether a combined biomarker that includes these molecules predicted short-/long-term outcomes. We performed a prospective cohort of ICU patients with sepsis and previously normal renal function. They were followed during their inpatient stay and for one year after admission. We measured plasma FGF23, EPO, and Klotho levels at admission and calculated a combined biomarker (FEK). A total of 164 patients were recruited. Of these, 50 (30.5%) had AKI at admission, and 55 (33.5%) developed AKI within 48 h. Patients with AKI at admission and those who developed AKI within 48 h had 12- and 5-fold higher FEK values than non-AKI patients, respectively. Additionally, patients with higher FEK values had increased 1-year mortality (41.9% vs. 18.6%, p = 0.003) and CKD progression (26.2% vs. 8.3%, p = 0.023). Our data suggest that the FEK indicator predicts the risk of AKI, short-/long-term mortality, and CKD progression in ICU patients with sepsis. This new indicator can improve clinical outcome prediction and guide early therapeutic strategies.

Effects of erythropoietin on ischaemia-reperfusion when administered before and after ovarian tissue transplantation in mice.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Is the optimal timing for administering erythropoietin to minimize ischaemic injury in ovarian tissue transplantation before ovary removal for cryopreservation and subsequent transplantation or after transplantation? DESIGN: Thirty Swiss mice (nu/nu) were divided into three groups: treatment control group (n = 10); erythropoietin before harvesting group (EPO-BH) (n = 10) and erythropoietin after transplantation group (EPO-AT) (n = 10). Animals underwent bilateral ovariohysterectomy and their hemiovaries were cryopreserved by slow freezing. At the same time, previously cryopreserved hemiovaries were transplanted subcutaneously in the dorsal region. Erythropoietin (250 IU/kg) and sterile 0.9% saline solution were administered every 12/12 h over 5 consecutive days in the EPO-AT and EPO-BH groups, respectively. RESULTS: Administration of erythropoietin in the EPO-AT group improved the viability of ovarian follicles, reducing degeneration and increasing the number of morphologically normal growing follicles at 14 days after transplantation compared with the EPO-BH group (P = 0.002). This group also showed higher percentages of proliferative follicles at 7 days after transplantation (P ≤ 0.03), increased blood vessel count (P ≤ 0.03) and greater tissue area occupied by blood vessels at days 7 and 14 after transplantation (P ≤ 0.03), compared with hormone administration before cryopreservation (EPO-BH group) and the treatment control group. Additionally, treatment with erythropoietin before or after transplantation reduced fibrotic areas at 7 days after transplantation (P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Erythropoietin treatment after transplantation reduced ischaemic damage in transplanted ovarian tissue, increased angiogenesis, maintenance of ovarian follicle proliferation and reduced fibrosis areas in the grafted tissue.

Therapeutic advances for treating memory impairments in perinatal brain injuries with implications for cerebral palsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by damage to the immature brain. CP is considered the main cause of physical disability in childhood. Studies have shown that memory function and emotional behaviour are significantly impaired in CP. Current thought is that interventions for neuromotor damaged play a prominent role, but neglects the memory acquisition problems that affect the functioning and quality of life of these children. This systematic review aims to map and analyse pre-clinical interventions used to treat memory formation problems resulting from CP. For this, a search was carried out in the Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus and Lilacs databases. Then, eligibility, extraction date and evaluation of the methodological quality of the studies were determined. 52 studies were included in this review, and 27 were included in a meta-analysis. Assessing memory performance as a primary outcome, and structural and biochemical changes in the hippocampus as a secondary outcome. CP models were reported to be induced by hypoxia-ischemia, oxygen deprivation and liposaccharide (LPS) exposure, resulting in impairments in the formation of short-term and long-term memory in adult life. A reduction in escape latency and dwell time were observed in the target quadrant as well as an increase in the time needed for the rodents to find the platform in the Morris Water Maze (MWM). Brain injuries during the perinatal period are considered an insult that negatively impacts hippocampus maturation and causes impairment in memory formation in adult life. Some studies reported that regions of the hippocampus such as the dentate gyrus and cornu ammonis 1 were impaired in CP, noting an increase in oxidative stress enzymes and pro-inflammatory cytokines, associated with a reduction in BDNF and neurogenesis levels. These were reported to cause a reduction in the number of neurons and the volume of the hippocampus, in addition to an increase in astrogliosis and apoptosis of neurons and difficulties in forming new memories similar to those that occur in children with CP. Interventions that reduced neuroinflammation and the presence of free radicals were highlighted as a therapy for the memory disturbance present in CP. Preclinical studies registered treatments with oxygen interventions, resveratrol and erythropoietin, which were able to reduce the damage to the hippocampus and promote improvements in memory and behaviour. In the meta-analysis of selected studies, we observed favorable results, through effect size, for the use of oxygen interventions (SDM -6.83 95% CI [-7.91, -5.75], Z = 12.38, p = 0.03; I2 = 71%), erythropoietin (SDM -3.16 95% CI [-4.27, -2.05], Z = 5.58, p = 0.002; I2 = 82%) and resveratrol (SDM -2.42 95% CI [-3.19, - 1.66], Z = 6.21, p = 0.01; I2 = 77%), stimulating plastic responses in the hippocampus and facilitating the memory formation, with these presenting positive effects in general (SDM -2.84 95% CI [-3.10, -2.59], Z = 22.00; p < 0.00001; I2 = 92.9%). These studies demonstrate possible avenues of intervention for memory alterations in experimental models of early brain injuries, highlighting promising interventions that can facilitate the maturation of the hippocampus and memory formation and, consequently, minimize functional problems that arise during development.

Safety of High Dose Erythropoietin Used with Therapeutic Hypothermia as Treatment for Newborn Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy: Secondary Analysis of the HEAL Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether high dose erythropoietin (Epo) treatment of cooled infants with neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy results in a higher risk of prespecified serious adverse events (SAEs). STUDY DESIGN: Five hundred infants born at ≥36 weeks of gestation with moderate or severe hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy undergoing therapeutic hypothermia were randomized to Epo or placebo on days 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7. Pretreatment and posttreatment SAEs were compared with adjusted generalized linear models, with posttreatment models adjusted for the presence of a pretreatment SAE. Clinical risk factors and potential mechanisms for SAEs were also examined. RESULTS: The rate of experiencing at least one posttreatment SAE did not significantly differ between groups (adjusted relative risk [aRR], 95% CI: 1.17, 0.92-1.49); however, posttreatment thrombosis was identified more often in the Epo group (n = 6, 2.3%) than the placebo group (n = 1, 0.4%; aRR, 95% CI: 5.09, 1.32-19.64). The rate of posttreatment intracranial hemorrhage identified at the treatment sites by either ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging was slightly elevated in the Epo group (n = 61, 24%) but not significantly different from the placebo group (n = 46, 19%; aRR, 95% CI: 1.21, 0.85, 1.72). CONCLUSIONS: A small increased risk of major thrombotic events was identified in the Epo treatment group. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02811263.

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study of three products of epoetin alfa as single subcutaneous dose in healthy volunteers.

Hemax® is an epoetin alfa product developed by Biosidus S.A. in Argentina at the end of the 1980s and has been present in that market since 1991. The initial presentation was a lyophilized powder containing albumin as stabilizer, to best adapt to environmental conditions in developing countries; more recently, a prefilled syringe, albumin-free presentation was developed, since this presentation has become the preferred standard in many markets. The primary objective was to compare the pharmacokinetic profile of different formulations of epoetin alfa after a single subcutaneous administration to healthy volunteers of 40 000 IU of Eprex/Erypo® and Hemax® PFS. This clinical trial was conceived following an open-label, randomized, three-way three-period cross-over balanced, and sequential design. The study was conducted on 24 healthy volunteers. To analyze similarity between Hemax® PFS and the innovator product, Eprex®, area under the curve (AUC) and Cmax of both products have been compared. The 90% CI lower limit for the geometric mean ratios was higher than 80% for any comparisons, and the 90% CI upper limit for these geometric ratios was below 125% for all the comparisons made, thus demonstrating equivalence between both products. The comparison between Hemax® PFS and Eprex® resulted in similar 90% CI for Cmax , AUC(0-120 h) and AUC(0-inf) ratios, all of them within the 80-125% interval, with a power above 95% for each ratio. These findings suggest biosimilar patterns for absorption velocity (with Tmax close to 15 h), absorption extent, and elimination (with an elimination half-life close to 25-30 h for each formulation).

Novel Finding of Urinary Erythropoietin as an Early Biomarker of Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity.

Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic drug used to treat a great variety of solid tumors. Its dose is commonly limited by its nephrotoxicity, manifested as acute kidney injury (AKI). Erythropoietin (Epo) is a glycoprotein hormone that regulates the production of red blood cells. This study was performed to evaluate the presence of endogenous Epo in male Wistar rat urine and to analyse changes in urinary Epo levels in response to cisplatin- induced AKI. Dose-dependent studies and time-dependent experiments were performed to evaluate changes in urea nitrogen and creatinine in plasma as well as Epo, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity, creatinine and total proteins in urine at 2 days post-dosing. Rats received 2, 5 or 10 mg/kg b.w., i.p. of cisplatin. At 5 mg/kg b.w., i.p. cisplatin, significant increases in urinary Epo were detected. Significant increases in urea nitrogen and creatinine in plasma, NGAL, AP, proteins, and Epo were observed in urine from rats that received 10 mg/kg b.w., i.p. of cisplatin. In the time-dependent experiments, rats were injected with a dose of 5 mg/kg b.w., i.p. of cisplatin, and sampling occurred 2, 4, and 14 days post-dosing. In these animals, there were significant increases in urea nitrogen and creatinine in plasma and total proteins, AP activity, Epo, and NGAL in urine on day 4. Urinary Epo was also detected on day 2. Taken together, these findings provide weight of evidence for urinary Epo as a promising early biomarker of cisplatin-induced AKI in male rats.

Avaliação do valor prognóstico da expressão imuno-histoquímica das proteínas renina, eritropoietina e catepsina D em pacientes portadores de carcinoma de células renais do tipo células claras / Analysis of the immunohistochemical expression and the prognostic value of renin, erythropoietin, and cathepsin D in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma

INTRODUÇÃO: Nas últimas décadas, houve uma migração do diagnóstico do carcinoma de células renais (CCR) para estádios mais precoces. Contudo, não houve uma concomitante redução das taxas de mortalidade. Características tumorais e relacionadas aos pacientes apresentam o maior impacto prognóstico, particularmente estádio clínico, tamanho tumoral, grau nuclear e subtipo histológico. No entanto, agrupá-las com outros parâmetros, inclusive biomoleculares, pode levar a uma análise mais acurada. OBJETIVO: Nosso objetivo foi avaliar a expressão imuno-histoquímica (IHQ) e o valor prognóstico da eritropoietina (EPO), da catepsina D (CTSD), além de entender se a expressão concomitante da renina (REN), com cada um desses dois marcadores, interfere nos desfechos oncológicos do CCR do tipo células claras (CCRcc) em pacientes não metastáticos. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Foram analisados dados de 729 pacientes com CCRcc submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico no A.C.Camargo Cancer Center entre 1985 e 2016. Todas as lâminas passaram por revisão anatomopatológica central por uropatologistas especializadas. Blocos de tissue microarray (TMA) foram construídos com amostras duplicadas de cada caso e as reações IHQ foram realizadas com clones de anticorpos previamente selecionados para REN, EPO e CTSD. As expressões de REN e EPO foram classificadas qualitativamente em "positiva" ou "negativa". A expressão da CTSD foi classificada em "expressão fraca ou ausente" ou "forte expressão". Foram analisadas associações com as variáveis clínicas e patológicas e as taxas de sobrevida global (SG), sobrevida câncer específica (SCE) e sobrevida livre de recorrência (SLR) em 10 anos. RESULTADOS: A REN mostrou-se positiva em 426 casos (70,6%) e negativa em 177 (29,4%). A expressão positiva de EPO ocorreu em 86,6% da amostra. Já a CTSD, apresentou expressão fraca ou ausente em 58,2% e expressão forte em 41,3% dos casos. A expressão de EPO não impactou os desfechos oncológicos, nem se associou com variáveis clínicas ou patológicas de destaque, mesmo quando analisada em conjunto com a expressão de REN. Esta última, quando ausente, associou-se com idade mais elevada, anemia pré-operatória, tamanho tumoral, infiltração de gordura perirrenal, hilo ou seio renal, invasão microvascular, necrose, alto grau nuclear de ISUP e estádio clínico III-IV. Por outro lado, a forte expressão de CTSD também se associou com várias dessas variáveis de pior prognóstico. A ausência de expressão IHQ de REN e a forte expressão de CTSD, tanto de modo isolado, como em conjunto, foram fatores preditores de pior SG e SCE em 10 anos. A ausência da primeira e, particularmente, a combinação dos dois fatores influenciaram negativamente também a SLR. CONCLUSÃO: Enquanto a EPO não demonstrou valor prognóstico neste estudo, a ausência de REN, a forte expressão de CTSD, além da combinação destes dois fatores, foram capazes de se associar com piores desfechos oncológicos no CCR não metastático

INTRODUCTION: In the last decades, it has been observed a stage migration in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, there was no concomitant reduction in mortality rates. The tumoral factors, such as the clinical stage, tumor size, nuclear grade, or histologic subtype, have been characterized as major predictors. Nonetheless, an improvement of this analysis can be achieved after combine them with other variables, including biomolecular factors. PURPOSE: To assess the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression and the prognostic value of erythropoietin (EPO) and cathepsin D (CTSD), besides evaluating if the concomitant expression of the previously studied protein renin (REN), with each one of the other markers, can influence the prognostic outcomes in non-metastatic patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 729 patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) who underwent surgical treatment at A.C.Camargo Cancer Center between 1985 and 2016 were evaluated. All cases of the tumor bank were centrally reviewed by dedicated uropathologists. IHC expression patterns of the markers were assessed with a tissue microarray technique. REN and EPO were classified as "positive" or "negative expression". CTSD was grouped in "absent or weak expression" or "strong expression". Associations among clinical and pathological variables and the studied markers, besides of the 10-year overall survival (OS), cancer specific survival (CSS), and recurrence free survival (RFS) rates were described. RESULTS: The REN expression was positive in 426 (70.6%) cases, and the EPO positive expression was observed in 86.6%. It was evidenced an absent or weak expression of CTSD in 58.2%, and a strong expression in 41.3% of this cohort. EPO expression showed no impact on survival rates, even if concomitantly assessed with REN. The negative expression of REN associated with advanced age, preoperative anemia, larger tumors, perirenal fat, hilum or renal sinus infiltration, microvascular invasion, necrosis, high nuclear grade, and clinical stages III or IV. On the other hand, the strong expression of CTSD associated with poor prognostic variables. Both of these expression patterns of REN and CTSD were unfavorable predictors of 10-year OS and CSS. Particularly, the combination of negative REN and strong CTSD expression presented worse impact on these rates than the isolated analysis of each one, including a higher risk of recurrence. CONCLUSION: The loss of REN expression and the strong expression of CTSD were independent prognostic factors in non-metastatic ccRCC, particularly when the concomitant expression pattern of both markers is present. The immunohistochemical expression of EPO did not influence survival rates in this study.

Protective effect of NeuroEPO on the reproduction of diabetic rats / Efecto protector de la NeuroEPO en la reproducción de ratas diabéticas

Introduction: Pregestational diabetes constitutes a reproductive risk which requires new treatment strategies. NeuroEPO, a variant of the recombinant human erythropoietin produced in Cuba, has neuroprotective and hypoglycemic effects which can be considered for the treatment of this entity. Objective: To evaluate the protective effect of NeuroEPO on the reproduction of diabetic rats. Material and Methods: Four groups of adult female Wistar rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes were used. During pregnancy, one group received the vehicle and the rest of the groups received different doses of NeuroEPO (0,5 mg/kg, 0,75 mg/kg, and 1 mg/kg) subcutaneously, on alternate days, for a total of six applications. A group of non-diabetic rats was used as a control group. Glycemia and reproductive variables were evaluated. For comparisons, Analysis of Variance and Fisher's Exact Test were used. There were significant differences with p-values less than 0,05. Results: The group with vehicle presented maintained hyperglycemia, fewer implantations, and embryos, and increased gestational losses. In the group receiving 0,5 mg/kg of NeuroEPO, glycemia decreased significantly and the results of the reproductive variables were similar to the group of non-diabetic rats. With higher doses of NeuroEPO, gestational losses were increased. No congenital malformations were identified in either group. Conclusions: The repeated administration of 0,5 mg/kg of NeuroEPO has a beneficial effect on the reproduction of diabetic rats, which may be associated with the reduction of hyperglycemia. Other cytoprotective mechanisms of NeuroEPO should be evaluated in future studies(AU)

Introducción: la diabetes pre-gestacional constituye un riesgo reproductivo, lo que requiere nuevas estrategias de tratamiento. Teniendo en cuenta que la NeuroEPO, una variante de la eritropoyetina recombinante humana producida en Cuba, tiene efectos neuroprotectores e hipoglicemiantes. Objetivo: evaluar el efecto protector de la NeuroEPO en la reproducción de ratas diabéticas. Material y Métodos: se utilizaron cuatro grupos de ratas Wistar hembras adultas, con diabetes inducida por estreptozotocina. Durante la gestación, un grupo recibió el vehículo y el resto diferentes dosis de NeuroEPO (0,5 mg/kg, 0,75 mg/kg y 1 mg/kg), por vía subcutánea, en días alternos, para un total de seis aplicaciones. Se empleó un grupo de ratas no-diabéticas como control. Se evaluó la glicemia y variables reproductivas. Para las comparaciones se empleó el Análisis de Varianza y la Prueba Exacta de Fisher. Las diferencias se consideraron significativas con valores de p menores que 0,05. Resultados: el grupo con vehículo presentó hiperglicemia mantenida, menor número de implantaciones y embriones, e incremento de las pérdidas gestacionales. En el grupo que recibió 0,5 mg/kg de NeuroEPO, la glicemia disminuyó de forma significativa y los resultados de las variables reproductivas fueron similares al grupo de ratas no-diabéticas. Con las dosis superiores de NeuroEPO se incrementaron las pérdidas gestacionales. No se identificaron malformaciones congénitas en ninguno de los grupos. Conclusiones: la administración reiterada de 0,5 mg/kg de NeuroEPO tiene efecto beneficioso en la reproducción de ratas diabéticas, que puede estar asociado a la reducción de la hiperglicemia. Otros mecanismos citoprotectores de la NeuroEPO deben ser evaluados en futuros estudios(AU)