Question

Erythropoietin (EPO) was first isolated from the urine of anemic patients who had high circulating levels of the hormone. Although these patients had high concentrations of EPO, they were unable to produce adequate amounts of hemoglobin or red cells. Give some possible reasons why the patients’ EPO was unable to correct their anemia.

Answer 1

Even thought erythropoietin level in blood is high it can lead to anemia because

1. Certain specific vitamin are needed like vitamin b12 , folice acid for the development of red-blood cell . So without theses source teh red-blood cell will not be replenished even if erythropoietin is high
2. Iron deficiency can cause this condition. Iron is an important factor in the development of red-blood cell but of deficiency of iron occur then even if erythropoietin is present RBC will not be produced.
3. Bone marrow defect due to long term radiation can be a cause for the low level RBC in blood . If damage is present then even if erythropoietin is given it will not produce RBCS