Erythropoietin and analogs

Abstract

Erythropoietin (EPO), a glycoprotein hormone, stimulates the growth of red blood cells and as a consequence it increases tissue oxygenation. This performance enhancing effect is responsible for the ban of erythropioetin in sports since 1990. Especially its recombinant synthesis led to the abuse of this hormone, predominatly in endurance sports. The analytical differentiation of endogenously produced erythropoietin from its recombinant counterpart by using isoelectric focusing and double blotting is a milestone in the detection of doping with recombinant erythropoietin. However, various analogous of the initial recombinant products, not always easily detectable by the standard IEF-method, necessitate the development of analytical alternatives for the detection of EPO doping. The following chapter summarizes its mode of action, the various forms of recombinant erythropoietin, the main analytical procedures and strategies for the detection of EPO doping as well as a typical case report.