Brief Description of Erythropoietin System

Excerpts from previous naturopathy assignments HLT60512. Brief Description of Erythropoietin

Erythropoietin

Defective production of erythropoietin is responsible for blood disorder, such as thalassaemia where the RBC can’t carry enough oxygen, and polycythaemia where RBC are produced (Sherwood, 2010, pp. 404-412)

Haemostasis

Stops blood loss from wounds, and platelets in Red Blood Cells. Initiates the first step in the clotting process. Von Willebrand factor is released and the RBC’s bind to the damaged area e.g. blood vessel to form a clot. Thrombin converts fibrinogen to fibrin which secures the clot in place, plasmin breaks down the fibrin meshwork (Sherwood, 2010, pp. 404-12).

Erythropoietins role in clotting and blood production?

Kidneys release erythropoietin hormone (EPO) which signals the megakaryocytes in bone marrow to make new red blood cells (RBC). Studies show that synthetic Erythropoietin (EPO) can help with medical conditions, one being stroke, whereby it can help improve neurological however it may increase thrombotic risk. Scientist are looking at creating ‘non-erythropoietin neuroprotective derivatives of EPO, such as carbamylated EPO (CEPO)’, which might stop clotting and subsequent cardiovascular risk (Kirkeby , et al., 2008) See appendix.1

Heather Indiana Rose

Copyright 2019