Cellular Protection by Erythropoietin: New Therapeutic Implications?

Erythropoietin (EPO), the principal hematopoietic hormone produced by the kidney and the liver in fetuses, regulates mammalian erythropoiesis and exhibits diverse cellular effects in nonhematopoietic tissues. The introduction of recombinant human EPO (rhEPO) has marked a significant advance in the m...

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Published in:The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics 2007-12, Vol.323 (3), p.759-762
Main Author: M. Joyeux-Faure
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Cardiotonic Agents - chemistry
Cardiotonic Agents - pharmacology
Cardiotonic Agents - therapeutic use
Cytoprotection - drug effects
Erythropoietin - biosynthesis
Erythropoietin - chemistry
Erythropoietin - pharmacology
Erythropoietin - physiology
Erythropoietin - therapeutic use
Humans
Neuroprotective Agents - chemistry
Neuroprotective Agents - pharmacology
Neuroprotective Agents - therapeutic use
Oxidative Stress - drug effects
Protective Agents - chemistry
Protective Agents - pharmacology
Protective Agents - therapeutic use
Receptors, Erythropoietin - biosynthesis
Receptors, Erythropoietin - physiology
Recombinant Proteins
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Summary:Erythropoietin (EPO), the principal hematopoietic hormone produced by the kidney and the liver in fetuses, regulates mammalian erythropoiesis and exhibits diverse cellular effects in nonhematopoietic tissues. The introduction of recombinant human EPO (rhEPO) has marked a significant advance in the management of anemia associated with chronic renal failure. At the same time, experimental studies have unveiled its potential neuroprotective and cardioprotective properties, occurring independently of its hematopoietic action. As with other cytoprotective agents, administration of exogenous rhEPO can confer cerebral and myocardial protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury in terms of reduction in cellular apoptosis and necrosis, as well as improvement in functional recovery. Very recent studies even suggest that this drug could have beneficial applications in oncology, protecting against chemotherapy cardiotoxicity. The purpose of this letter is to review current information regarding the various conditions in which rhEPO and its derivates could confer cellular protection. We also address clinical perspectives and novel therapeutic strategies that could be developed based on these studies. Thus, EPO seems to be a very promising agent for protecting cellular survival during both acute and chronic diseases, and its future should be considered with enthusiasm.
ISSN:0022-3565
1521-0103
DOI:10.1124/jpet.107.127357