Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates the production of red blood cells and increases the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. Erythropoietin is used medicinally and illegally as doping in athletes. The most common indications for the use of erythropoietin as a drug are related to anemia related diseases. Find out what EPO is, what the use of this hormone is and learn about the serious side effects of erythropoietin.
Erythropoietinin the form of a drug is a transparent solution that resembles the natural erythropoietin produced by the human body. EPO is given by injection (injection). Treatment with erythropoietin is indicated in patients with severe anemia caused by renal failure. Other indications for taking erythropoietin are oncological in nature.
EPO is produced spontaneously by our kidneys and liver (in the womb), so there is no need to take it additionally. What's more, the side effects of erythropoietin can be seriously harmful to your he alth.
Erythropoietin (EPO) - what is it?
Erythropoietin , abbreviated asEPO , is a glycoprotein peptide hormone whose task is to stimulate erythropoiesis, i.e. the process of erythrocyte reproduction. EPO is produced in the kidneys and liver and is excreted from the body in the urine. It affects bone marrow stem cells, thereby increasing the production of red blood cells (red blood cells) in the body.
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The correct concentration of endogenous erythropoietin in humans is6-32 µg / ml .
Erythropoietin (EPO) - action
Erythropoietin stimulates the body to produce more hemoglobin, which also contributes directly to the increase in the number of red blood cells in the human body. As a result, oxygen transport through the blood is improved, which has a positive effect on the oxygenation of the body and aerobic capacity.
Erythropoietin, which is dosed with iron supplementation and hematopoietic vitamins, is much more effective than if consumed individually.
Erythropoietin as a drug may contribute directly tobetter results in athletes, because it allows a person to maintain a very intense physical effort for a relatively long time without the overproduction of lactic acid, causing muscle weakness.
In addition, research from the University of Zurich has shown that EPO has a positive effect on the brain and thought processes, increasing motivation to act.
Erythropoietin (EPO) - indications for treatment
Erythropoietin is administered as a drug to premature babies, newborns and infants showing signs of anemia. EPO is also administered to people suffering from chronic kidney diseases and to cancer patients, for whom increasing the amount of erythropoietin in the body improves everyday functioning, e.g. in lymphocytic leukemia or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
The indications for taking erythropoietin are also any problems with the hematopoietic system. EPO should also be used by people who are undergoing blood transfusion (autotransfusion), when a larger number of red blood cells is needed.
Erythropoietin (EPO) as doping in sport
Erythropoietin is a hormone used illegally as doping in sports. Athletes take EPO because it increases physical performance by increasing the number of red blood cells. Therefore, it is most often used by athletes such as cyclists, runners, footballers, skiers, swimmers and rowers.
Erythropoietin as doping was used, among others, by Lace Armstrong, 7-time Tour de France winner. All the titles he won, including the Olympic medal from Syndey, were taken from him.
EPO is also used in the gym in bodybuilding sports because it delays overall muscle fatigue. It provides increased endurance and faster regeneration between workouts. The period of using erythropoietin by bodybuilders as part of doping is usually 4-6 weeks. It is administered by injection into a vein or subcutaneously.
Of course, this practice is explicitly forbidden in sport and in any fair-play bodybuilding competition. Fortunately, the availability of erythropoietin is very low, and this drug is unlikely to fall into the wrong hands.
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Erythropoietin (EPO) - side effects
The side effects of using erythropoietin include the risk of developing high blood pressure. Consequently, high blood pressure can lead to seizures and turns into epilepsy.
Erythropoietin treated as a steroid and misused as doping may cause:
- heart attack,
- dehydration,
- stroke,
- blood clots insidemuscle,
- excessive concentration of blood,
- increase hematopoietic viscosity,
- rash,
- weakness: headaches, joint pains, dizziness,
- death.
Erythropoietin can also have side effects in people who suffer from some additional diseases while taking it. These include infections, peritonitis, iron deficiency and renal bone disease.