Erythropoietin therapeutic applications

Biomedical research continues to broaden our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlining both health and disease. Research undertaken since the 1950s has pinpointed a host of proteins produced naturally in the body that have obvious therapeutic applications. Examples include the interferons and interleukins (which regulate the immune response), growth factors, such as erythropoietin (EPO which stimulates red blood cell production), and neurotrophic factors (which regulate the development and maintenance of neural tissue). 

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An interesting application of polycations is the encapsulation of cells, which can be considered as a form of a drug if used therapeutically, e.g. as implants or due to the substances they secrete, e.g. erythropoietin (EPO) or insulin. 

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