|
Erythropoietin or EPO or more commonly known as Hemopoietin is a glycoprotein (i.e. a protein that has sugar attached
to it) hormone, that acts as a forerunner for red blood cell (RBC) in the bone marrow and stimulates the manufacture of hemoglobin (Hb), the section within red blood cells (RBC) that acts as an oxygen carrier.
It also augments the survival factor for developing cells. It acts as an enhancer for the augmentation of specific kinds of blood cells in the bone marrow. Movement to higher elevation or bleeding stimulates the discharge of erythropoietin. Hypoxia or lack of oxygen supply stimulates erythropoietin production. There are 2 types of erythropoietin that work in similar ways. These are:-
The special kidney cells that fabricate this hormone are receptive to the oxygen concentration in the blood and enhance the
production of EPO or Erythropoietin during decreased levels of oxygen. Human made commercially obtainable erythropoietin that carries on with the same functioning of stimulating red blood cells (RBC) production is obtainable.
Erythropoietin is a transparent liquid having a small glass bottle stored in a refrigerator.
Anemia, as a consequence of chemotherapy or chronic kidney failure is a usual feature and erythropoietin levels are small. Anemia is a frequent condition that leads to erythropoietin release. They act on the marrow stem cells to raise the fabrication of red blood cells or RBC. As it raises the hematocrit, it results in raised oxygen flow to the skeletal muscles. Pharmaceutical erythropoietin is used by sports persons to perk up the oxygen transporting capacity in the body that result in unfair competition reward. EPO or Erythropoietin administration on diagnosis of anemia is customary. The administration lasts till an evident raise in blood hemoglobin levels are noticed.
The likelihood or risk of unfavorable cardiovascular complications is higher if it is used to raise hemoglobin levels more than 13 g/dl. It is supposed to be frequent as a doping agent in fortitude sports (triathlon and marathon). The standard level is 0-19 milli units per milliliter. Increased levels point to the attendance of secondary poly-cythemia. The danger of high EPO or Erythropoietin levels includes
- Fainting
- Excessive bleeding
- Multiple punctures to locate veins
- Hematoma
- Infection.
Erythropoietin or EPO is managed by a subcutaneous injection under the skin in the thigh or abdomen. It is given once a day or once in 3 weeks based on the state and depending on the kind of erythropoietin being used. The side effects of EPO or erythropoietin includes:-
- Headaches
- Flu-like symptoms
- Joint pain
- Dizziness
- Tiredness and fatigue.
An analgesic may prove to be helpful if taken under a doctor’s guidance. Recombinant DNA technology is effectual in producing synthetic EPO or erythropoietin for anemic individuals.
|