Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone produced primarily by the kidneys. It plays a key role in the production of red blood cells (RBCs), which carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.

1. Presentation by-
Aditi Petwal
B. Pharm V semester

2. Erythropoetin (EPO) is a sialoglycoprotein
hormone produced by peritubular cells of the
kidney- essential for normal erythropoiesis.

3. Erythropoiesis (from Greek 'erythro' meaning "red" and
'poiesis' meaning "to make") is the process which
produces red blood cells (erythrocytes), which is the
development from erythropoietic stem cell to mature
red blood cell.

4.  Anaemia and hypoxia are sensed by kidney
cells and induce rapid secretion of EPO
 Acts on erythoid series
a) Stimulates proliferation of colony forming
cells of erythroid series
b) Induces haemoglobin formation &
erythroblast maturation
c) Release of reticulocytes in circulation

6.  EPO binds to specific receptors on the surface of target cells.
 The EPO receptor is a JAK-STAT binding receptor- alters
phosphorylation of intracellular proteins and activates
transcription factors-gene expression.

7.  It induces erythropoiesis in dose dependent
manner-no effect on RBC lifespan.
Note-
The recombinant human erythropoietin-
Epoetin alpha, ß is administered by i.v. Or s.c.
Injection ans has half life of plasma of about
6-10 hrs.

8.  EPO therapy- patients with Hb≤8g/dl
 Epoetin 25-100 U/kg s.c or i.v. 3 times a week
raises haematocrit and haemoglobin (Dose
reduction by about 30% is possible when
epoetin is given s.c. than i.v.)
 Improved-exercise capaciy and overall
wellbeing of the patients
 For patients with low iron store and require
concurrent i.v./oral therapy.

9.  Anaemia in AIDS patients treated with
zidovudine.
 Cancer chemotherapy induced anaemia.
 Preoperative induced blood production for
autologous transfusion during surgery.

10. Related to sudden increase in haematocrit,
blood viscosity and peripheral vascular
resistance which are-
 Increased clot formation in the AV shunt
 Hypertensive episodes
 Serious thromboembolic events
 Occasional seizures
 Flu-like symptoms-lasting 2-4hr

11.  Essentials of MEDICAL PHARMACOLOGY, K. D.
Tripathi, 7th Edition, Jaypee brothers medical
publishers, Haematinics and Erythropoietin, Page
611.
 Palazzuoli A, Ruocco G, Pellegrini M, De Gori C, Del
Castillo G, Giordano N, Nuti R. The role of
erythropoietin stimulating agents in anemic
patients with heart failure: solved and unresolved
questions. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2014;10:641-650