Erythropoietin-Based Strategies for Wound Healing

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glycoprotein hormone classically known for its role in red blood cell production. Beyond haematopoiesis, EPO interacts with tissue-protective receptor isoforms to modulate inflammation, inhibit apoptosis and stimulate angiogenesis, thereby accelerating the repair of diverse wound types. Strategies under investigation include systemic delivery, topical gels and sustained-release hydrogels, with engineered non-erythropoietic derivatives designed to minimise the risk of thrombotic complications. Preclinical models have shown that EPO promotes mobilisation of endothelial progenitor cells, enhances re-epithelialisation and reduces scar formation in acute incisional wounds, ischaemic skin flaps, pressure ulcers and burns. Clinical trials have explored its utility in severe burns and oral mucosal grafts, reporting improved early tissue regeneration and reduced morbidity, though primary endpoints have often proved equivocal. Current challenges include optimising dosing regimens, ensuring targeted delivery and delineating the contribution of receptor subtypes. Integration with biomaterial scaffolds, growth-factor cocktails or cell-based therapies holds promise for translating EPO-based approaches into scalable, cost-effective treatments for both acute and chronic wounds worldwide.

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Erythropoietin-Based Strategies for Wound Healing publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in erythropoietin-based strategies for wound healing across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Erythropoietin: A glycoprotein cytokine that stimulates red blood cell production and exhibits tissue-protective properties via specific receptor isoforms.

Hydrogel: A three-dimensional polymer network capable of retaining large volumes of water, used as a sustained-release matrix for bioactive molecules.

Neovascularisation: The formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature, critical for supplying nutrients and oxygen to healing tissue.

Re-epithelialisation: The process by which epithelial cells migrate to cover a wound surface, restoring barrier function.

M2 Macrophage Phenotype: An anti-inflammatory and pro-regenerative activation state of macrophages that supports tissue remodelling.

References

1. Nonerythropoietic Tissue Protective Compounds Are Highly Effective Facilitators of Wound Healing. Molecular Medicine (2009).
2. A Randomized Controlled Trial: Regenerative Effects, Efficacy and Safety of Erythropoietin in Burn and Scalding Injuries. Frontiers in Pharmacology (2018).
3. Effect of Topical Erythropoietin (EPO) on palatal wound healing subsequent to Free Gingival Grafting (FGG). Brazilian Oral Research (2018).
4. Healing of induced tongue defects using erythropoietin hydrogel (an experimental study on rats). BMC Oral Health (2024).
5. The role of erythropoietin-loaded hydrogel versus adipose derived stem cell secretome in the regeneration of tongue defects. BMC Oral Health (2024).
6. Relation Between Gender and Concomitant Medications With Erythropoietin-Treatment on Wound Healing in Burn Patients. Post Hoc Subgroup-Analysis of the Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial “EPO in Burns”. Frontiers in Pharmacology (2022).