Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glycoprotein hormone that regulates the formation of red blood cells. Erythropoietin allows more red blood cell mass to be concentrated, so the muscles receive more oxygen. This delays the onset of fatigue, something that has been used throughout history by elite athletes who are prone to doping. However, it has been easily detectable for some years now.
Erythropoietin: what is it and how does it act in the body?
Human erythropoietin, better known as EPO, is a glycoprotein hormone that regulates erythropoiesis or red blood cell formation. Its production and regulation occurs mainly at the renal level in the face of tissue hypoxia (decrease of oxygen in the tissues). In the 1980s, two forms of recombinant human erythropoietin were developed and named Epoetin alpha and Beta, initially indicated for patients with chronic kidney disease.
Therapeutic Utility of Erythropoietin (EPO)
As mentioned above, Erythropoietin (EPO) began to be used in the 1980s for the treatment of anemia in patients with chronic renal failure. However, in the last eight or nine years its use has been extended to other types of non-renal anemia:
– cancer-associated anemia
– HIV patients on antiretroviral treatment with low levels of endogenous erythropoietin.
– pre-surgical patients
– blood donor anemia
– hematopoietic progenitor transplantation.
Effects of Erythropoietin (EPO) Doping
Red blood cells are responsible for the transport of oxygen to the rest of the body’s tissues. The injection of synthetic EPO makes it possible to concentrate a greater quantity of red globular mass, so that the muscles receive a greater supply of oxygen from the same volume of blood. This allows a more efficient workout and delays the onset of fatigue.
How to detect doping with Erythropoietin (EPO)
Until the beginning of the 21st century there were no reliable methods to detect EPO levels to increase exercise performance. Traditionally, the levels of hematocrit or concentration of red blood cells in the blood were used as an indirect measure of control. Under normal conditions its serum values range from 38 to 45%. In those athletes who receive recombinant EPO, this parameter can increase above 60%. Currently, moreover, specific methods are available to detect each type of recombinant Erythropoietin administered.
Risks of doping with Erythropoietin (EPO)
Increased serum hematocrit levels above 55% produce a phenomenon of hyperviscosity in the blood, with a slowing of blood circulation that can cause thrombosis phenomena at peripheral level, coronary artery obstructions, cerebrovascular accidents and arterial hypertension.
Administration of Erythropoietin
The administration of vials of any type of recombinant erythropoietin is very simple, since they come in pre-filled syringes. However, it is important to emphasize that it should always be done under the control of your hematology specialist, who will carry out the pertinent hemogram controls to evaluate the result and subsequent adjustment of the dose.