Abstract
The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism of anemia associated with Dangguibohyel-tang (DBT) in rats. Using cyclophosphamide-induced (30mg/kg BW) anemic rats, changes in weight gain, the levels of red blood cell (RBC), hematocrit (Hct), platelet and hemoglobin (Hgb), serum vitamin B12, ALT(GPT) levels and erythropoietin (EPO) gene expression were monitored, and compared with DBT (1,000mg/kg BW, 14d)-treated and EPO (1,000IU/kg BW, 14d, s.c.)-treated rats. Food efficiency ratio (FER) were 31.6%, in normal group, 28.1% in cyclophosphamide-induced control group, 31.7% in DBT-treated group and 25.1%, in EPO-treated group after 14 days. The levels of red blood cell (RBC), hematocrit (Hct), platelet and hemoglobin (Hgb) of DBT-treated group were significantly higher than those of control. And DBT extract administered group showed dominant effects on the recovery of Hgb level. Serum vitamin B12 and ALT(GPT) levels were significantly increased at DBT-treated groups. EPO gene expression was decreased 91,9% in control group, 79.6% in DBT-treated group and 53.9% in EPO-treated group, respectively. These results suggest that administration of DBT could prevent human patient from chemotherapy derived anemia by improving hematological value and EPO status.