Recombinant erythropoietin treatment improves serum podocyte marker levels in diabetic kidney disease

Abstract Background Recombinant human erythropoietins (rHuEPO) is an effective treatment for renal anemia. Recently, there is evidence to suggest that rHuEPO may reduce podocyte injury in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). However, there is no published study on the change in podocyte injury marker levels before and after rHuEPO treatment in DKD. Methods We measured serum nephrin and podocalyxin level, and their corresponding plasma mRNA levels, in 49 DKD patients before rHuEPO treatment, and then 12 and 36 weeks afterward. Results There were reductions in serum nephrin (p = 0.002) and podocalyxin levels (p = 0.09), as well as their corresponding plasma mRNA levels (p < 0.0001 for both) after rHuEPO treatment. The change in serum nephrin and podocin level had significant inverse correlation with the concomitant change in hemoglobin level (r = -0.670 and − 0.739 respectively, p < 0.0001 for both), but not with the change in kidney function or proteinuria. Conclusion Serum nephrin and podocalyxin levels and their corresponding plasma mRNA levels were significant reduced after rHuEPO treatment in DKD patients, and the change in serum nephrin and podocalyxin levels correlated with the change in hemoglobin level. The effect of rHuEPO on podocyte injury deserves further study.