Erythropoietin and its lost receptor

Down with the erythropoietin. Long live the erythropoietin!

In recent years the use of erythropoietin has exploded, and the anaemia of patients with chronic renal failure has been practically resolved with the administration of rHuEpo (recombinant human, Erythropoietin). However, as a result of an intense commercial campaign, strong therapies with this growth hormone, prescribed to achieve surprising sporting performances, got athletes to run the risk of thrombosis and vascular accidents because of red blood cells increase. Erythropoietin represents a significant subject of research. In fact, besides the ability of stimulating erythrocyte production, it has many pleiotropic effects. Several studies allow the assertion that EPO, in different concentr…

Regenerative Medicine: Does Erythropoietin have a Role?

Regenerative Medicine, a recent new medical domain, aims to develop new therapies through the stimulation of natural regenerative processes also in human beings. In this field, Erythropoietin (EPO) represents a significant subject of research. Several studies allow the assertion that EPO, in different concentrations, has protective effects mainly on the central nervous system, cardiovascular system and renal tissue. This action is carried out through one of few regenerative activities of human beings: angiogenesis. This mechanism, which involves endothelial stem cells and VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor), has been experimentally demonstrated with Recombinant human erythropoietin (r…