A review of the hormone erythropoietin has called for further trials to be conducted to ascertain its efficacy in improving neuronal damage in stroke patients.

Erythropoietin (EPO) is an endogenous hormone primarily produced by the kidney and works by increasing the production of red blood cells and delivering oxygen to muscles. In the 1980s, the human recombinant EPO (rHuEPO) was developed, which in turn led to key advances in the treatment of patients with chronic renal failure and anaemia.

Writing in the March issue of the Annals of Clinical Biochemistry, Dr Joanne Marsden of Kings College Hospital argues consideration must be given for EPO to be licensed for use in other applications.

“The discovery that EPO is present in other tissues in the body (e.g. endothelial, myocardial and neural cells) has led to suggestions that EPO may have a beneficial effect on these cells and hence function as an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective agent,” writes Dr Marsden.

“There is increasing evidence that EPO may have a beneficial effect in Parkinson’s disease and other diseases associated with the central nervous system.”

Although the use of rHuEPO is not without side-effects, such as hypertension and thrombosis, the review argues that the clinical benefits of rHuEPO in other applications cannot be ignored.

“There is an increasing amount of evidence-based literature that demonstrates the usefulness of EPO as an neuroprotective agent at the site of injury. Consideration must be given to its use in other clinical areas where research shows there is benefit to patients,” said Dr Marsden.

EPO was banned by the International Olympic Committee in 1990 following its abuse by athletes. However, modern testing procedures can now differentiate between endogenous and recombinant EPO.

Erythropoietin – measurement and clinical applications [PDF 144k]

Annals of Clinical Biochemistry is published bimonthly by The Royal Society of Medicine. Its Editor is Julian Barth.

Erythropoietin – measurement and clinical applications. Annals of Clinical Biochemistry 2006; 43(2): 97-104

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