EPO or PlacEPO? Science versus Practical Experience

Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) is an agent commonly used by with the aim to improve performance in endurance sports. However, the community continues to debate the risks, benefits and its mechanism of when used as a doping agent. This paper provides a brief overview on the cons of rHuEPO use, as discussed by a group of scientist with diverse at the 17th Conference of the European Society for Clinical Hemorheology Microcirculation in Pecs, Hungary. Among multiple topics, panel members challenged the common belief that the increased circulating hemoglobin concentration is the simple key to the improved sporting performance. hemorheologists developed the concept of optimal hematocrit (Hct), a Hct that represents the optimal balance between the oxygen transport blood and blood viscosity. While guideline-directed transfusion therapy advantageous under pathological conditions, such as severe anemia chronic kidney disease, its beneficial effects on endurance in healthy remains questionable. Further studies are warranted in the field effects of rHuEPO that are independent of increasing hemoglobin such as peripheral vasodilation and tissue metabolic changes.