ERYTHROPOIETIN Meaning and
Definition
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Erythropoietin is a hormone that is primarily produced by specialized cells in the kidneys, known as interstitial fibroblast-like cells or peritubular fibroblasts. It plays a crucial role in the regulation of red blood cell production, also known as erythropoiesis. The word "erythropoietin" is derived from the Greek words "erythros," meaning red, "poiesis," meaning to make or produce, and "-in," indicating a substance.
Erythropoietin acts on the bone marrow, which contains stem cells that can differentiate into various blood cell types. When there is a low oxygen level in the body, such as during high-altitude exposure, anemia, or decreased lung function, the release of erythropoietin is stimulated. The hormone then binds to specific receptors on the surface of stem cells in the bone marrow, promoting their differentiation into red blood cells. Erythropoietin also regulates the rate of red blood cell maturation and enhances their survival in circulation.
Exogenous erythropoietin, in the form of recombinant human erythropoietin, is commonly used in medical treatments for conditions associated with low red blood cell levels, such as chronic kidney disease, anemia related to cancer treatment, and HIV-induced anemia. It is also a banned substance in sports due to its ability to enhance oxygen-carrying capacity and thus improve endurance performance. Additionally, the measurement of erythropoietin levels in the blood can be used as a diagnostic tool to assess certain disorders affecting red blood cell production.
Common Misspellings for ERYTHROPOIETIN
Etymology of ERYTHROPOIETIN
The word erythropoietin is derived from the Greek roots erythro- meaning red, poiein meaning to make or produce, and -in which is a suffix used to denote proteins. Therefore, erythropoietin essentially means a protein that produces red blood cells.
Similar spelling words for ERYTHROPOIETIN
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