Erythropoietin protects the human myocardium against hypoxia/reoxygenation injury via phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase and ERK1/2 activation

Abstract

EPO administered at reoxygenation protected human myocardial muscle by activating PI3K and ERK1/2 and reducing the level of activated caspase 3. This cardioprotection was also observed in the diabetic group. This data supports the potential of EPO being used as a novel cardioprotective strategy either alone or as an adjunct in the clinical setting alongside existing reperfusion therapies.