Effects of methylprednisolone alone and combined with erythropoietin on the antioxidant system in rats with induced acute spinal cord injury

Aim: This experimental study was carried out to biochemically compare the effects of methylprednisolone (MP) alone and in combination with human recombinant erythropoietin (EPO) on malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. Material and Methods: Twenty-four adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups. Spinal cord injury (SCI) was created after laminectomy in all three groups. No treatment was given to the trauma group. In the MP group, 30mg/kg fast (within 15 minutes), and after 45 minutes, intraperitoneal MP was administered in 4 equal doses of 5.4 mg/kg continuously within 23 hours. In the EPO + MP group, 1000IU/kg intraperitoneal EPO was given in addition to the MP given in the same way. MDA, SOD and catalase levels were compared between the groups in the spinal cord samples taken from all rats at the 24th hour after the operation. Results: Catalase level was higher in both the MP group and the EPO + MP group compared with the trauma group (p = 0.006, p = 0.001; respectively). Compared to the trauma group, the SOD level was higher only in the EPO + MP group (p = 0.006). Both catalase and SOD levels were higher in the EPO + MP group compared to the MP group (p = 0.006, p = 0.005; respectively). There was no difference between the groups in terms of MDA (p = 0.183). Discussion: These results show that EPO given in addition to MP in SCI can be used effectively against oxidative damage.