TNF-beta inhibits EPO production in HepG2 cells

Despite the fact that TNF alpha and TNF beta share common receptor, these cytokines often exhibit different effects which can be explained by differences in signal transduction pathways. Both cytokines are considered to play an important role in development of anemia of chronic and malignant diseases. Bleeding, malnutrition, iron deficiency, inhibition of hematopoietic cells proliferation by pro-inflammatory cytokines and decreased production of erythropoietin have been suggested as mechanisms of anemia of chronic disorders. In vitro, the inhibitory effect of IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, TNF alpha on erythropoietin production has been shown using human hepatoma HepG2 cell line. This cell line proved an adequate model to investigate regulating mechanisms of the Epo production. Until now, the action of TNF beta on the Epo production has not been reported. Therefore, we compared the effects of TNF alpha and TNF beta on Epo production using HepG2 cell line. We found that both TNF beta and TNF alpha inhibit the production of Epo in HepG2 cells in the similar manner. It confirms the role of TNF beta in pathogenesis of anemia in chronic disorders.