Erythropoietin, progenitors, and repair.
The erythropoietin-erythropoietin-receptor (EPO-EPO-R) system has recently been identified as an important cellular survival pathway. Its presence has also been demonstrated in the kidney and identified as a therapeutic target to prevent loss of renal function. Part of the protective effects may be related to the action of erythropoietin on endothelial function and expansion of endothelial progenitor cells. This paper reviews current evidence for involvement of these mechanisms in EPO-mediated renoprotection.
Aydin
Z
Z
Department of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Duijs
J
J
Bajema
I M
IM
van Zonneveld
A J
AJ
Rabelink
T J
TJ
D000818:Animals; D002470:Cell Survival; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects*; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects; D017467:Receptors, Erythropoietin / Q000502:physiology; D012038:Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects*; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology
D017467:Receptors, Erythropoietin; D004921:Erythropoietin