Erythropoietin – Meaning, Functions, Types

Erythropoietin: Meaning

Erythropoietin, also known as erythropoetin, haemopoietin or haematopoietin is a cytokine belonging to the glycoprotein hormones secreted by the kidneys to stimulate red blood cell production in the bone marrow in conditions of cellular hypoxia.

The process by which red blood cells are produced is known as erythropoiesis.The erythropoietin is synthesised by the interstitial fibroblasts of the kidneys in association with the peritubular capillary bed and proximal convoluted tubule. The perisinusoidal cells of the liver also produce erythropoietin.

Erythropoietin production is more by the liver during fetal and perinatal periods. On reaching adulthood, the production is predominantly done by the kidneys.

In this tutorial, we will learn about the meaning, functions, tests and other aspects such as recombinant human erythropoietin, erythropoietin therapy, etc.

Functions of Erythropoietin

Erythropoietin serves the following functions in the human body −

• It serves the most crucial function of stimulating red blood cell production in the bone marrow.

• To increase the red blood cell production during hypoxic stress caused due to anaemia or chronic lung disease.

• To promote survival of red blood cell precursors and progenitors and prevent apoptosis.

• It is essential for the growth and development of multipotent progenitor cells to develop into erythroid lineages such as basophilic erythroblasts and proerythroblasts.

• It also performs other functions such as stimulation of angiogenesis and cell survival by activating EPO receptors that protect the ischemic tissue from cell death.

• It also has a neuroprotective effect.

Types of Erythropoietin

Erythropoietin is of two types −

• Natural Erythropoietin

• Synthesized Erythropoietin.

Natural Erythropoietin

• It is produced in the kidneys as a result of hypoxic conditions caused due to chronic lung disease or anaemia.

Synthesised Erythropoietin or Recombinant Human Erythropoietin

• It is produced by the process of recombinant DNA technology. This is the first hematopoietic growth factor to be produced for use in medical purposes.

• The recombinant human erythropoietin is shown to help people having chronic renal failure and suffering from anaemia due to the lack of erythropoietin in the body.

• It is also shown to help treat anaemia in HIV patients undergoing AZT therapy and cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

• It is also effective in increasing the rate of development of neurons in patients who have suffered from a stroke.

Erythropoietin Test or EPO Test

An erythropoietin test is used to determine the conditions that can impact the production of red blood cells (anaemia or chronic lung disease). Also, erythropoietin has been used to reverse some forms of anaemia.

Erythropoietin and Performance Enhancement

Athletes used erythropoietin as a blood doping agent to boost RBC production, for improving stamina and oxygen capacity. Such instances mainly were from cycling, where cyclists need higher energy to endure the whole duration of the race.

It was used as a performance-enhancing drug in the early 2000s, but with the introduction of newer testing methodologies, the presence of erythropoietin can be easily determined and hence has been declared as a banned substance, the use of which can bring about disqualification from the event.

Conclusion

Erythropoietin is a hormone produced predominantly in the kidneys and secreted in instances of hypoxemia caused due to chronic lung disease and anaemia. It serves various protective functions such as protecting cardiac muscles from injury, neuroprotective effect and preventing apoptosis of red blood cell precursors. The erythropoietin test is conducted to detect any red blood cell-related disorders.

FAQs

Qns 1. What is Erythropoietin?

Ans Erythropoietin is a type of hormone secreted by the kidneys that stimulate and accelerate red blood cell production in conditions of hypoxic stress and anaemia.

Qns 2. What are the alternative names of erythropoietin?

AnsThe alternative names of erythropoietin are erythropoetin, haematopoietin or haemopoietin.

Qns 3. What is the process of red blood cell production known as?

Ans The process of production of red blood cells is known as erythropoiesis.

Qns 4. Where is erythropoietin produced in the body?

Ans The interstitial fibroblasts produce erythropoietin in the kidney in association with proximal convoluted tubule and peritubular capillary.

Qns 5. How is erythropoietin detected in the blood?

Ans Erythropoietin can be detected in the blood by performing the EPO or erythropoietin test.