Nonerythropoietic properties of erythropoietin: implication for tissue protection.

Erythropoietin (EPO) is used at present in clinical practice to stimulate red cell production. However, a number of reports have emerged suggesting the presence of nonerythropoietic properties for EPO. Chief among them is its ability to confer protection against acute tissue injury. In this report, we briefly review the role of EPO in tissue protection and provide examples of tissue protection using cisplatin-induced kidney injury model. Also provided is a brief description of potential pathways through which EPO may be mediating this effect.