EPO/ Epoetin (C-6His), Human,

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glyco Protein hormone that is principally known for its role in erythropoiesis,where it is responsible for stimulating proliferation and differentiation of erythroid progenitor cells.Erythropoietin is a member of the EPO/ TPO family. It is a secreted, glycosylated Cytokine composed of fouralpha helical bundles. The differentiation of CFU-E (Colony Forming Unit-Erythroid) cells into erythrocytescan only be accomplished in the presence of EPO. Physiological levels of EPO in adult mammals aremaintained primarily by the kidneys, whereas levels in fetal or neonatal mammals are maintained by theliver. EPO also can exert various non-hematopoietic activities, including vascularization and proliferation ofsmooth muscle, neural protection during hypoxia, and stimulation of certain B cells. Genetic variation inerythropoietin is associated with susceptbility to microvascular complications of diabetes type 2. These arepathological conditions that develop in numerous tissues and organs as a consequence of diabetesmellitus. They include diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy leading to end-stage renal disease, anddiabetic neuropathy.