Erythropoietin

1. Erythropoietin, called EPO, has become a drug used illegally by some athletes. Which athletes use EPO, that is, in what kind of sports? What benefits are they hoping for? What part of a CBC would indicate that an athlete is taking EPO? Explain.

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone produced by the kidneys that promotes the formation of Red Blood cells by the bone marrow. When the blood travels through the kidneys, the kidney cells become sensitive and the low oxygen level in the blood then make and release erythropoietin. As said, “Erythropoietin is a relatively recent entry into the deceitful pursuit of glory.” Since EPO increases erythropoietin production and also oxygen carrying capacity, this fact did not long escape notice of the athletic community.

The most popular athletes that use EPO are baseball players, competitive swimmers, cyclists and marathon runners, as well as body builders. The benefits athletes are hoping for using EPO, are strength, power, and endurance. It is enhances their performance. If oxygen is increased, the oxygen carrying ability of the blood (erythrocytes) is above normal levels when using EPO. This increases more oxygen to the muscles which enables the athletes to generate more power for longer periods of time to perform better which significantly improves performance.

In a complete blood count (CBC), the hemoglobin (Hgb) and hematocrit (HCT) levels would indicate an athlete using EPO. Hemoglobin (Hgb) levels are measured as grams per deciliter, the amount in a specific example of blood. Normal Hgb levels for men is 14, and for women, 12. Generally women, both very young and old have lower hemoglobin level.

Hematocrit levels are determined by the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. It is recorded as the percentage of volume of red blood cells in a blood sample. The blood sample is made up mainly of red blood cells and white blood cells suspended in blood serum. The hematocrit test indicates the percentage of blood by...