GESTEIGERTE STIMULATION DER ERYTHROPOESIS

The present invention is directed to compositions comprising heme-containing components and to methods that stimulate erythropoiesis comprising administration of a composition of the invention, such as purified hemoglobin. Surprisingly, heme-containing components such as hemoglobin can induce erythropoiesis in the presence of decreased concentrations of erythropoietin (Epo) and, in fact, functions synergistically with Epo. Further, heme-containing components can be used alone or in conjunction with Epo for the treatment of anemias and other disorders due to decreases in erythropoietin or iron. It has been discovered that, in the presence of Epo, both hemoglobin and cross-linked hemoglobin can compensate for the reduction in erythroid cell growth and differentiation that occurs in the presence of reduced concentrations of Epo. The effect is specific to erythropoiesis, as evidenced by a lack of growth of non-erythroid progenitors such as CFU-GM.