What’s Erythropoietin?

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Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone produced by the kidneys. The existence of this hormone has been known since 1906, when scientists began to isolate it. Since the 1980s, recombinant versions of the hormone have been available for use in medical treatment. People can use erythropoietin in treatments for anemia, usually for anemia caused by chemotherapy, chronic kidney disease, or heart failure. A doctor usually supervises the use of this hormone with periodic blood tests to monitor the patient’s progress. Its use by athletes to gain an advantage in competition has been banned by many sports organizations.

Increases the production of red blood cells

This hormone stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. It is produced by the kidneys when specialized cells in the kidneys detect that the oxygen level in the body’s tissues is low. When introduced synthetically by injection, erythropoietin can help treat anemia by increasing the number of red blood cells in the body. Injections may be needed because the kidneys don’t make enough erythropoietin on their own or when a patient is experiencing severe anemia. Sometimes, they need to be supplemented with iron tablets.

The gene for producing erythropoietin is located on the seventh chromosome. In a normal, healthy person, levels of the hormone can vary, with levels tending to be higher in athletes and people living at high altitudes because these individuals experience greater oxygen deprivation to muscle tissue. If someone has anemia, an erythropoietin test may be ordered to explore the cause of the anemia, using the level of the hormone in the blood as an indicator.

Use by athletes

In addition to being used in medical treatment under the supervision of a doctor, this hormone is sometimes used by athletes as a performance-enhancing drug. Taking erythropoietin is supposed to increase endurance for athletes, and the drug is difficult to detect in blood doping tests because the substance occurs naturally in the body. However, high levels of erythropoietin can raise blood pressure. Some doctors have suggested that excessive use of this hormone could explain an increase in exercise-related deaths among people who are elite runners or cyclists, because high blood pressure strains the heart and exercise pushes the heart. body beyond its limit.

Chemical structure

Erythropoietin is a glycoprotein, which is a protein with a sugar attached to it. Many reproductive hormones are glycoproteins, as are antibodies and some parts of connective tissue such as muscles. These proteins often increase viscosity, which is why they appear in secretions such as lubricating fluids along with structures such as egg whites.

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