What Is Erythropoietin?
The hormone erythropoietin (EPO), produced by the kidney, encourages the bone marrow to make red blood cells. Reduced oxygen levels in the blood that flow through the kidney can affect the kidney cells that produce erythropoietin. When insufficient oxygen is present, these cells produce and release erythropoietin. A low oxygen level may indicate anemia or a lack of hemoglobin molecules, which transport oxygen throughout the body.
What Is Erythropoietin’s Function?
By encouraging the marrow to produce red blood cells, erythropoietin aids in maintaining the balance of the blood. This is a crucial function since the health of all body cells depends on having access to fresh blood and oxygen. The tissues and organs in the body might experience hypoxia, or a lack of oxygen, without new red blood cells.
The presence of hypoxia may cause the cells to behave differently, which may ultimately result in disease or cell death. Once the body produces these blood cells, erythropoietin aids in their protection. Under typical conditions, such as when a person relocates to a higher altitude, erythropoietin levels may vary significantly.
However, various ailments might also prevent the body from producing erythropoietin normally.
For instance, maintaining healthy red blood cells, or RBCs, in the body may be challenging if one has anemia. People with anemia may have extremely high erythropoietin levels in their blood because the body continually tries to stimulate the marrow to produce more red blood cells.
What Organs Produce Erythropoietin?
The liver produces erythropoietin but to a smaller extent. The liver only produces around ten percent of the erythropoietin that is needed. On human chromosome 7, the erythropoietin gene has been identified. The erythropoietin gene's surrounding DNA sequences regulate whether erythropoietin is produced in the liver or kidney.
What Is an Erythropoietin Test?
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This test determines the level of erythropoietin (EPO) in the blood. The kidney produces the erythropoietin hormone, which instructs the bone marrow to produce red blood cells.
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The human body can produce healthy red blood cells if the erythropoietin level is normal. Having sufficient red blood cells is associated with healthy oxygen levels.
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As a result, when the body is not getting enough oxygen, erythropoietin levels typically increase.
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Before the test, the patient is frequently instructed to fast for eight to ten hours (overnight) and occasionally to lie still and unwind for 20 to 30 minutes.
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A standard blood sample is needed for the test, which is then sent to a facility for evaluation.
Why Does One Need an Erythropoietin Test?
If other tests have indicated that one has anemia and the doctor wants to know what form of anemia the patient has, this test might be necessary. Additionally, he or she can request this test to determine whether the EPO or erythropoietin production from the kidneys is normal. One might have a kidney tumor if the erythropoietin or EPO level is higher than usual. Someone could be required to take this exam if they are a professional cyclist, distance runner, or athlete. This test occasionally aims to determine whether athletes have been using erythropoietin to enhance their performance. Tests for erythropoietin may also be used to identify other bone marrow abnormalities, such as myeloproliferative disorders.
What Do the Findings of the Test Mean?
The test procedure, age of the person, gender, medical history, and other factors may affect the test findings. The test findings might not indicate a problem with oneself. The acceptable EPO (erythropoietin) concentration range is 4 to 26 milliunits per liter (mU/mL). One may have anemia if their levels are higher than normal. EPO levels in the blood may be 1,000 times greater than usual in severe cases of anemia. Polycythemia vera may be the cause of unusually low levels. This bone marrow condition causes the excessive production of red blood cells. One may have renal disease if their EPO (erythropoietin) levels are low.
The underlying source of the problem may be found by doctors if there are significant fluctuations in erythropoietin levels.
However, erythropoietin test results are only sometimes conclusive, and physicians frequently employ other tests to assist in locating and diagnosing the underlying problem. In any instance, more tests will be performed by medical professionals to help clarify their findings and support their diagnosis.
Is Low Erythropoietin Level Treatable?
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Recombinant human erythropoietin, also known as rh-EPO, is a synthetic form of erythropoietin that can be used to help patients with chronic kidney disease and other anemias linked to bone marrow suppression or failure, such as those brought on by radiation or chemotherapy for cancer, produce more red blood cells. The cost-prohibitive medication therapy, administered intravenously or subcutaneously, only temporarily stimulates the bone marrow for a few hours.
Synthetic hormones have shown promise, assisting in reducing the requirement for blood transfusions and enhancing the quality of life for many affected individuals.
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In certain circumstances, a physician may suggest synthetic injections known as erythropoietin-stimulating drugs (ESAs). These medications, which can be administered by a doctor in the form of an injection, activate the bone marrow, similar to how erythropoietin in the body works to promote the generation of red blood cells.
Some signs of renal failure can be adequately treated with ESA injections. To increase the safety of these medications, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advised medical providers to modify the ESAs for more cautious dosing in patients with chronic kidney disease. The findings showed that using ESAs in this patient population increased the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes.
Erythropoietin replacement therapy will not treat anemia if patients produce an aberrant kind of hemoglobin, such as may be the case with thalassemia or if they have a bone marrow problem.
Is It Possible to Have a High Erythropoietin (EPO) Level Without a Medical Ailment, and Why Do Certain Athletes Undergo EPO Testing?
Yes, erythropoietin, for instance, has been mishandled by sportsmen to increase performance; by boosting the number of RBCs in the blood, they use it to increase their stamina and oxygen capacity, including cyclists, long-distance runners, speed skaters, and Nordic skiers. Erythropoietin is considered particularly hazardous when taken improperly in these circumstances, possibly because dehydration brought on by strenuous activity might further increase the thickness or viscosity of the blood, elevating the risk of blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks.
Conclusion:
A hormone called erythropoietin is crucial for the creation of red blood cells. Abnormal erythropoietin levels may indicate a problem with the kidneys or bone marrow. Doctors can determine the underlying cause of blood problems using erythropoietin-level tests. One of these factors is anemia. ESA (erythropoietin stimulating agents) injections may treat individuals with low erythropoietin levels due to kidney illness or other diseases. Before making any adjustments, anyone with questions about their diagnosis or course of treatment should discuss all the options with their medical professional.
