erythropoetini

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a protein hormone produced by the kidneys in vertebrates. It plays a crucial role in red blood cell production by regulating erythropoiesis, the process by which red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow. The hormone stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells and increases the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.

EPO is produced in response to decreased oxygen levels in the body, which typically occurs at high altitudes where oxygen levels are lower. In healthy individuals, the primary stimuli for EPO production is the low oxygen levels caused by physical activity, altitude, or other conditions that reduce oxygen delivery to the body's tissues. The kidney's production of EPO is tightly regulated to maintain an optimal balance of red blood cells in the body.

EPO is also used as a medication to treat anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease, HIV/AIDS, and cancer. The ERA (Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents) medication class, which includes EPO products, has achieved regulatory approval to allow its use in Europe, the United States, and Japan for the treatment of anemia in patients with these conditions. Studies have shown that administration of recombinant human EPO products during dialysis can achieve a significant improvement in hemoglobin levels and, consequently, a reduction in anemia.

As a recombinant protein hormone, EPO was first approved for medical use in 1989 in Europe for the treatment of anemia associated with chronic renal failure. Today, numerous EPO products are manufactured, with several large-scale producers currently involved in research and development of EPO.

More information on recombinant human EPO products, the discovery of the hormone and the extent of its effects, can be explored for further details.