What is the function of erythropoietin?
Erythropoietin (Epo), which is produced by the kidney in the adult and by the liver in the fetus, increases red blood cells by supporting the survival of erythroid progenitor cells and stimulating their differentiation and proliferation via binding to Epo receptor (EpoR).
Where is erythropoietin secreted?
the kidney
This hormone is synthesized in the kidney and its secretion is regulated by the amount of oxygen delivered to that organ. Erythropoietin was one of the first drugs produced through recombinant DNA technology and is widely used in conditions where red blood cell production is deficient.
What is a normal erythropoietin level?
Normal Results The normal range is 2.6 to 18.5 milliunits per milliliter (mU/mL).
What is recombinant erythropoietin?
Recombinant erythropoietin is a man-made version of natural erythropoietin. It is produced by cloning the gene for erythropoietin. Recombinant erythropoietin drugs are known as erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs).
What are the clinical uses of erythropoietin?
Erythropoietin is used in many clinical settings. The most common use is in people with anemia (low blood count) related to kidney dysfunction. When the kidneys are not properly functioning, they produce less than normal amounts of erythropoietin, which can lead to low red blood cell production, or anemia.
How does EPO affect the body?
EPO is released from the kidneys and acts on the bone marrow to stimulate red blood cell production. An increase in red blood cells improves the amount of oxygen that the blood can carry to the body’s muscles. It may also increase the body’s capacity to buffer lactic acid.
How is erythropoietin released?
Erythropoietin is produced and released into the blood by the kidneys in response to low blood oxygen levels (hypoxemia). The amount of erythropoietin released depends on how low the oxygen level is and the ability of the kidneys to produce erythropoietin.
How is EPO secreted?
Epo secretion is stimulated by hypoxia, which is detected by an oxygen sensor located in the kidney. This oxygen sensor has been recently shown to be an heme protein.
What does it mean if erythropoietin is high?
Having higher levels of erythropoietin in the blood may be a sign that the body is not getting enough oxygen, however. This may be due to a low red blood cell count from anemia or another condition. On the other hand, low levels of erythropoietin in the blood in someone with anemia may be a sign of other issues.
What is a low level of erythropoietin?
Low levels of erythropoietin occur when someone is suffering from chronic kidney diseases. Low red blood cell counts cause anemia; symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, increased heart rate, and dizziness.
How do you know Epoetin alfa is working?
Your doctor will test your blood regularly—at least weekly at the beginning of your treatment—to make sure EPOGEN® is working. The test will measure your Hb or your hematocrit (hee-MAT-a-crit) levels, though most doctors measure Hb because it is a better way to check for anemia.
What class of drug is erythropoietin?
Epoetin alfa products are in a class of medications called erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). They work by causing the bone marrow (soft tissue inside the bones where blood is made) to make more red blood cells.
What kind of drug is necitumumab used for?
AHFS / Drugs.com Necitumumab ( INN) is a recombinant human IgG1 monoclonal antibody used as an antineoplastic. It binds to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The US FDA approved necitumumab under the brand name Portrazza for use with gemcitabine and cisplatin in previously untreated metastatic…
How is necitumumab a fully human IgG1 mAb?
Furthermore, because necitumumab is an IgG1 construct, it has the potential to induce antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity against tumor cells. Preclinical studies indicated that the antitumor activity of necitumumab is either comparable with or superior to that of ImClone’s chimeric anti-EGFR mAb cetuximab.
Which is better for EGFR necitumumab or cetuximab?
Preclinical studies indicated that the antitumor activity of necitumumab is either comparable with or superior to that of ImClone’s chimeric anti-EGFR mAb cetuximab. In a phase I clinical trial in patients with advanced solid malignancies, necitumumab displayed nonlinear pharmacokinetic behavior.
