EPO (Erythropoietin)
Also known as: EPO, Erythropoietin
Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glycoprotein hormone, produced mainly by the kidneys, that stimulates red blood cell production. Recombinant EPO is an established clinical therapy for anemia.
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Mechanism of Action
EPO is produced by renal peritubular fibroblasts in response to tissue hypoxia, sensed via the HIF (hypoxia-inducible factor) pathway. It binds the dimeric erythropoietin receptor on erythroid progenitor cells in the bone marrow, activating JAK2/STAT5 signaling. This promotes the proliferation, differentiation, and survival of red blood cell precursors, increasing red cell mass and oxygen-carrying capacity. EPO receptors on non-erythroid tissues also underlie investigated cytoprotective and tissue-protective effects.
- Half-life
- Approximately 4-13 hours depending on formulation and route
- Administration Routes
- subcutaneous
- Research Status
- Clinical
Reported Benefits
- Increases red blood cell mass and correction of anemia
- Improves oxygen-carrying capacity
- Reduces transfusion requirements in clinical anemia
- Investigated for tissue-protective effects in ischemia research
- Established recombinant formulations with extensive clinical data
Potential Side Effects
- Hypertension
- Increased thromboembolic and clotting risk
- Headache
- Elevated hematocrit leading to blood hyperviscosity
- Flu-like symptoms after injection
Common Dosing
Clinical anemia regimens use units-per-kilogram dosing several times weekly, individualized to hematocrit targets. Shared as reference information only and not personal medical advice; non-medical use carries serious thrombotic risk.
The dosing information above is aggregated from research literature and anecdotal community reports for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation, prescription, or medical advice. Peptides are sold as research chemicals only and are not intended for human use.
Contraindications
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- History of thrombosis or hypercoagulable states
- Pure red cell aplasia from prior anti-EPO antibodies
- Use outside medical supervision
No documented stacking partners for EPO (Erythropoietin) yet.
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Correction of the anemia of end-stage renal disease with recombinant human erythropoietin. Results of a combined phase I and II clinical trial
1987
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The effects of normal as compared with low hematocrit values in patients with cardiac disease who are receiving hemodialysis and epoetin
1998
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Correction of anemia with epoetin alfa in chronic kidney disease
2006
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Erythropoietin doping in cycling: lack of evidence for efficacy and a negative risk-benefit
2013