Regenerative medicine: does Erythropoietin have a role?
Regenerative Medicine, a recent new medical domain, aims to develop new therapies through the stimulation of natural regenerative processes also in human beings. In this field, Erythropoietin (EPO) represents a significant subject of research. Several studies allow the assertion that EPO, in different concentrations, has protective effects mainly on the central nervous system, cardiovascular system and renal tissue. This action is carried out through one of few regenerative activities of human beings: angiogenesis. This mechanism, which involves endothelial stem cells and VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor), has been experimentally demonstrated with Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) and Darbepoetin, a long-acting EPO derivate. Furthermore, the demonstration of a cardiac production of EPO in Fugu rubripes and in Zebrafish has led cardiologists to "discover" Erythropoietin, postulating a hypothetical role in treatment of cardiovascular disease for this hormone. This is some of the experimental evidence which demonstrates that EPO can be in reason considered an important element of research of Regenerative Medicine and put in the network of drugs able to regenerate tissues and organs.
Buemi
Michele
M
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Messina, Italy. buemim@unime.it
Lacquaniti
Antonio
A
Maricchiolo
Giulia
G
Bolignano
Davide
D
Campo
Susanna
S
Cernaro
Valeria
V
Sturiale
Alessio
A
Grasso
Giovanni
G
Buemi
Antoine
A
Allegra
Alessandro
A
Donato
Valentina
V
Genovese
Lucrezia
L
D000818:Animals; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005399:Fishes / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000188:drug therapy; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000378:metabolism; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000502:physiology; D012038:Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D044968:Regenerative Medicine
D004921:Erythropoietin