Erythropoietin as a tissue-protective cytokine in brain injury: what do we know and where do we go?
In the 10 years since neurotrophic activity was first reported for erythropoietin (EPO), a broad understanding of its multiple paracrine/autocrine functions has emerged. Recent studies firmly establish EPO as a multifunctional molecule, typical of the pliotrophic cytokine superfamily of which it is a member. The realization that EPO activates neuroprotection by multiple mechanisms has identified a generalized system of local tissue protection with EPO as a critical component. Here, the authors characterize the biology of the local tissue-protective system, review data that support this concept, and suggest why non-hematopoietic analogues of EPO may be better choices as therapeutics.
Grasso
Giovanni
G
University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
Sfacteria
Alessandra
A
Cerami
Anthony
A
Brines
Michael
M
D000818:Animals; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000378:metabolism*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D017467:Receptors, Erythropoietin / Q000502:physiology
D016207:Cytokines; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D017467:Receptors, Erythropoietin; D004921:Erythropoietin