Multiple Doses of Erythropoietin Impair Liver Regeneration by Increasing TNF-α, the Bax to Bcl-xL Ratio and Apoptotic Cell Death

Abstract

Background: Liver resection and the use of small-for-size grafts are restricted by the necessity to provide a sufficient amount of functional liver mass. Only few promising strategies to maximize liver regeneration are available. Apart from its erythropoiesis-stimulating effect, erythropoietin (EPO) has meanwhile been recognized as mitogenic, tissue-protective, and anti-apoptotic pleiotropic cytokine. Thus, EPO may support regeneration of hepatic tissue.