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dear mr. schild,

is EPO a steroid? do you know of anyone who is administrating this drug? what ever references you have would be appreciated.

thanks,

douglas

"M.Schild" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
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."

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