Abstract Details

Title Synergistic Effects of IVIg and Erythropoietin (EPO) in Preclinical Models of Autoimmune Neuropathy

Topic Peripheral Nerve

Presentation(s) P01 - (-)

Poster/Presentation
Number 154

Objective

Background BACKGROUND: Anti-ganglioside antibodies (Abs) are commonly present in patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). We and others have shown that intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) can prevent anti-ganglioside Abs mediated complement dependent nerve cell/fiber injury. Our recent studies suggest that erythropoietin (EPO) enhances nerve repair in preclinical models of GBS. IVIg is now the standard treatment for GBS and a new trial to examine the efficacy of EPO in GBS would have to be done as add on therapy with IVIg. It is necessary to demonstrate that EPO and IVIg do not have antagonistic effects. It would also be important to know whether these two medications have synergistic effects to design an effective administration schedule in patients with GBS.

Design/Methods DESIGN/METHODS: Previously published preclinical models of autoimmune neuropathy mediated by anti-ganlioside Ab were used to examine the potential antagonistic/synergistic effects of IVIg and EPO.

Results RESULTS: Our results show that individual treatments with either IVIg or EPO provide significant protection, i.e., postpone the anti-ganglioside Ab- and complement-mediated neural injury to the neurites and neuronal cell body, in the neurocytotoxicity assays. Notably, no antagonistic effects were seen with the combined use of IVIg and EPO in these assays. Our data suggest that EPO and IVIg have synergistic effects in protecting neuronal cells from this anti-ganglioside Ab-mediated complement-dependent injury.

Conclusions CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the conclusion that EPO can be useful add-on therapy to the current standard IVIg treatment for GBS. This novel combination therapy can be potentially beneficial for protecting nerve from injury during the acute phase and enhancing nerve repair in the recovery period in GBS patients.

Authors/Disclosures
Gang Zhang, MD, PhD (The University of Texas Medical School at Hou) PRESENTER	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file
Kazim A. Sheikh, MD (The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston)	The institution of Dr. Sheikh has received research support from NIH. The institution of Dr. Sheikh has received research support from DoD.

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