Italian study finds EPO useful in treating multiple sclerosis

Dec 26, 2005, 12:44 GMT

Milan - Scientists in Italy have found that erythropoietin (EPO), the ill-famed hormone used by unscrupulous athletes to improve their performances, can be of help in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Experts at Milan's Mario Negri institute tested EPO on mice and found that it improves the course of the illness by acting as a neuroprotective agent.

EPO is a hormone produced by specialised cells in the kidneys that regulates the production of red blood cells in the marrow.

Its ability to stimulate the production of red blood cells means it is often used in the treatment of patients suffering from anaemia.

In sports, it is a banned doping agent as it artificially increases the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood and thus improves endurance.

But because EPO thickens the blood, its administration to non-anaemic patients could increase the risk of thrombosis and hypertension.

To avoid unpleasant side-effects, the Milan scientists therefore modified the molecular structure of the hormone into what is known in the scientific literature as CEPO (carbamylated EPO).

CEPO does not increase the number of blood cells but was nevertheless found to be effective when administered to mice suffering from MS.

The finding, published in the December edition of the Journal of Neuroimmunology, mean CEPO may in future be added to the list of MS treatment drugs currently being tested on animals, the institute said in a statement.

MS is a chronic disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. Common symptoms include weakness, depression and difficulties with coordination and speech.

Its causes are unknown and there is as yet no cure.