Administration of erythropoietin and its derivatives in renal disease: Advantages, mechanisms and concerns

Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEpo) has been used as a successful treatment for human anemia for many years. More recently, its use as a cytoprotective agent was proposed when Epo and its receptor were found in many cell types. This review summarizes anti-apoptotic molecular mechanisms of cytoprotection by rhEpo in renal disease, details some concerns for use of erythroid stimulating agents for cytoprotection, and summarizes use and mechanisms of action of alternative non-erythropoietic derivatives of rhEpo.

Section editor:Michael S. Goligorsky – Renal Research Institute, Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA