What is erythropoetin?

erythropoetin (EPO) is a hormone that is produced in the kidneys. The existence of this hormone has been known since 1906, when scientists first began to isolated. Since the age of 80, the recombinant version of the hormone is available for use in medical treatment. People can use erythropoetin in treatment for anemia, usually in the case of anemia caused by chemotherapy, chronic kidney disease or heart failure. The doctor usually oversees the use of this hormone with periodic blood tests to monitor the patient's procedure. Its use of athletes to gain an advantage in the competition was forbidden 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 of the sense that the oxygen level in the body tissues is low. In synthetic introduction of injections, erythropoetin can help treat anemia by strengthening the number of Red blood cells in the body. Injections may be required because the kidneys do notThey produce enough erythropoetin by themselves or when the patient experiences severe anemia. Occasionally, they must be complemented by iron tablets.

The

gene for erythropoetin production is placed on the seventh chromosome. In a normal, healthy person, the hormone level may vary, and the levels tend to be higher in athletes and people who live at high altitude, because these individuals experience more oxygen deprivation in their muscle tissue. If someone has anemia, it could be asked to test erythropoetin to explore the cause of anemia, with the hormone level in the blood used as an indicator.

Using athletes

In addition to using this hormone in medical treatment under the supervision of a doctor. The use of erythropoetin is intended to increase endurance for athletes and the drug is difficult to detect in blood doping tests because the substance is naturally present in the body. High levels of erythropoetin inThe shack can increase blood pressure. Some doctors have suggested that excessive use of this hormone can explain an increase in the deaths related to exercise in people who are elite runners or cyclists because high blood pressure stresses the heart and the exercise push the body through its limit.

Chemical Structure

erythropoetin is glycoprotein, which is a protein with attached sugar. Numerous reproductive hormones are glycoproteins, as well as antibodies and some parts of connective tissue such as muscles. These proteins often increase the viscosity and therefore appear in secretion such as lubricating fluids along with structures such as egg whites.