Preliminary report of expression of hepcidin gene in Wistar rats ACD model is affected by EPO

Objective To investigate the expression changes of the liver hepciding gene in the formation process of Wistar male rats anemia in chronic disease(ACD) model. Methods ACD rat model was established by repeated injection of Freund' s complete adjuvant. The relationship between hepcidin mRNA expression levels of normal rats, ACD rats and ACD rats after intra -peritoneal injection of EPO. Results Anemia was induced in the rat model. In the ACD group, hepcidin mRNA expression levels increased; after intra-peritoneal injection of EPO, hepcidin mRNA expression levels decreased, anemia is improved. Conclusion Hepcidin plays an important role in pathogenesis of ACD. EPO could be decreased hepcidin mRNA expression levels by anti- inflammatory reaction and decrease cell factors. Decrease of hepcidin level as early as possible will benefit to block the development of anemia, that will provide a new strategy of therapy for ACD. Key words: Anemia in chronic disease;  hepcidin mRNA;  Erythropoietin;  Iron metabolism;  RT-PCR