Erythropoietin (IPA pronunciation: , alternative pronunciations: ) or EPO is a glycoprotein hormone that is a cytokine for erythrocyte (red blood cell) precursors in the bone marrow. Also called hematopoietin or hemopoietin. It is produced by the kidney, and is the hormone regulating red blood cell production. Erythropoietin is available as a therapeutic agent produced by recombinant DNA technology in mammalian cell culture. It is used in treating anemia resulting from chronic renal failure or from cancer chemotherapy. Its use is also believed to be common as a blood doping agent in endurance sports such as bicycle racing, triathlons and marathon running.
EPO has now been identified as a glycoprotein with a molecular mass of about 30,000 Daltons. It has a 165 amino acid chain with four oligosaccharide side chains and circulates in the blood plasma at a very low concentration (about 5 pmol/L).
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Doping for Gold - Explains why some athletes have used EPO to boost performance and why international athletic bodies have begun banning its use.
DrugDigest: Erythropoietin - Information on dosage, usage, side effects, interactions, and drug comparisons including generics when available. Sold under brand names such as: EPO, Epogen, and Procrit.
Epogen - a.k.a. Erythropoietin - EPO.
Erythropoeitin - Used to treat anemia associated with HIV infection or AZT therapy.(EPO, Epogen, Eprex, Procrit, epoetin alfa)
Procrit ( Erythropoietin ) - Manufacturer's information on this medication intended to increase red blood cell production in the treatment of fatigue and anemia.
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