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Performance enhancing drug could help stroke victims Friday, 3rd March 2006, 12:08 Category: Healthy Living LIFE STYLE EXTRA (UK) - A KIDNEY hormone once used by drugs cheat athletes to boost muscle power could save the brain cells of stroke victims. Researchers hope EPO (erythropoietin) may also reduce brain damage from other neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The natural hormone works by increasing the production of red blood cells and delivering oxygen to muscles. It was banned by the International Olympic Committee in 199O after its abuse by athletes. Dr Joanne Marsden, of Kings College Hospital, London, says EPO, which is already used to treat chronic kidney failure and anaemia, must be considered for other illnesses. Writing in the Annals of Clinical Biochemistry, she said: "The discovery that EPO is present in other tissues in the body - eg endothelial (blood vesels), myocardial (heart) and neural (brain) cells has led to suggestions it may have a beneficial effect on these cells and hence function as an anti inflammatory and neuroprotective agent. "There is increasing evidence EPO may have a beneficial effect in Parkinson's disease and other diseases associated with the central nervous system." Although the use of the hormone has side effects such as hypertension and thrombosis, Dr Marsden said the "clinical benefits" of it for other treatments cannot be ignored. She added: "There is an increasing amount of evidence based literature that demonstrates the usefulness of EPO as a neuroprotective agent at the site of injury. "Consideration must be given to its use in other clinical areas where research shows there is benefit to patients." Copyright © 2006 National News +44(0)207 684 3000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn