EPO Erythropoietin Human Polypeptide Hormones Red Blood Cell Production

EPO Erythropoietin Human Polypeptide Hormones Red Blood Cell Production

What is erythropoietin (EPO)?

Erythropoietin is a glycoprotein that is produced by the kidneys and is commonly referred to as EPO. EPO is responsible for red blood cell production; the red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to and through the blood. While the human body naturally produces EPO, thanks to recombinant DNA technology we now have exogenous EPO known as Epoetin Alfa. Medicinally, this form of EPO is most commonly used to treat anemia. At one time, Anadrol 50 or Oxymetholone was a primary combatant of anemia, but Epoetin Alfa has proven much safer.

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone produced by the kidney that promotes the formation of red blood cells by the bone marrow.

The kidney cells that make erythropoietin are sensitive to low oxygen levels in the blood that travels through the kidney. These cells make and release erythropoietin when the oxygen level is too low. A low oxygen level may indicate a diminished number of red blood cells (anemia), or hemoglobin molecules that carry oxygen through the body.

What exactly does erythropoietin (EPO) do?

Erythropoietin stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells. The resulting rise in red cells increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. As the prime regulator of red cell production, erythropoietin's major functions are to:

A, Promote the development of red blood cells.

B, Initiate the synthesis of hemoglobin, the molecule within red blood cells that transports oxygen.

What are normal erythropoietin (EPO) levels?

Normal levels of erythropoietin range from 4 up to 24 mU/ml (milliunits per milliliter).

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How is it used?

An erythropoietin (EPO) test is used primarily to help diagnose the cause of anemia. It can help identify candidates for erythropoietin replacement therapy (e.g., people with chronic kidney disease). Sometimes it is used to help diagnose the cause of too many red blood cells (polycythemia or erythrocytosis) or as part of an evaluation of a bone marrow disorder.

An EPO test is usually ordered in follow up to abnormal findings on a complete blood count (CBC), such as a low red blood cell (RBC) count and low hemoglobin and hematocrit. These tests establish the presence and severity of anemia and give the healthcare practitioner clues as to the likely cause of the anemia. Erythropoietin testing is ordered to help determine if low EPO may be causing and/or worsening the anemia.

In people with chronic kidney disease, the test may be ordered to evaluate the kidneys' continued ability to produce sufficient erythropoietin. If the erythropoietin level is low, erythropoietin replacement therapy may help increase red cell production in the bone marrow.

What does the test result mean?

If a person is anemic and erythropoietin levels are low or normal, then the kidneys may not be producing an appropriate amount of the hormone.

If a person is anemic and erythropoietin levels are increased, then the anemia may be due to iron or vitamin deficiency, or a bone marrow disorder.

If a person has too many red blood cells (RBCs) and erythropoietin levels are increased, then it is likely that excess erythropoietin is being produced – either by the kidneys or by other tissues in the body. This condition is called secondary polycythemia.

If there is excess RBC production and erythropoietin levels are normal or low, then it is likely that the polycythemia has a cause that is independent of erythropoietin production. This condition is called primary polycythemia.