EPO Flashcards
What kind of drug is Alipogene Tiparvovec (Glybera)? What is it used for?
It is a gene-therapy cure. It is used for Lipoprotein lipase deficiency.
What is Epoetin also known as? What is it?
Procrit, Epogen, EPO. It is an rDNA derived version of the human hormone, erythropoietin.
What is Erythropoietin?
Hormone that stimulates the formation of RBCs.
What is EPO used to treat?
Anemia.
How long does it take until the brain dies due to oxygen deprivation?
About 6 minutes.
What does anemia do to Vo2 max?
It lowers it. Even regular activities could max out someone’s physical abilities.
What is Hematocrit?
The percent of the blood volume occupied by RBCs (AKA erythrocytes).
What is Anemia?
A diseased state caused by reduced blood hemoglobin concentration (there are several types).
What are the symptoms of Anemia (5)?
- Fatigue. 2. Breathlessness. 3. Paleness. 4. Increased cardiac output (sweating, palpitations). 5. Other, specific to type of Anemia.
What are some causes of Anemia?
Genetic disorders, autoimmunity, premature birth, iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, chemotherapy, renal disease.
Where are red blood cells produced?
Stem cells present in bone marrow.
How does erythropoietin affect RBC production?
It signals the erythropoietin recepter (EpoR) which stimulates cell proliferation and differentiation in the erythroblast lineage (creating RBCs).
What is EpoR’s mechanism of action?
It activates the JAK/STAT signal transduction pathway. Stat dimers activate transcription of key genes in the erythroblast lineage.
Where is erythropoietin produced? What happens when this place is negatively affected?
By special O2-sensing cells in the kidney. Reduced EPO production by diseased kidneys is one cause of Anemia.
How does EPO circulate?
As an endocrine hormone.
What can trigger erythropoietin production?
Low atmosphere levels and blood loss that reduces blood O2 density.
How does chemotherapy induce Anemia? What can help treat it?
By poisoning cell lineages. EPO can help treat it.
How does renal disease induce Anemia? What can help treat it?
It decreases natural EPO. Exogenous EPO can help treat it.
What is Epoetin Alpha (Procrit, Epogen)? How is this drug administered?
Recombinant erythropoietin. It is administered by IV or subcutaneous injection.
What is Darbepoetin Alpha (Aranesp)?
Sequence-modified, highly glycosylated EPO with increased half-life.
What is Peginesatide (Omontys)?
A chemically modified peptide that mimics erythropoietin.
What is Methoxy Polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta (Micera, CERA)?
A conjugate of EPO to polyethylene glycol. Gives a 20-fold longer half-life. It continuously activates the erythropoietin recepter.
How does blood doping work?
By increasing VO2 max by increasing the carrying capacity of the blood (usually by increasing Hematocrit).
How was blood doping originally done?
Via blood transfusions.
