# Erythropoietin
---
**Erythropoietin**, or **EPO** is a [[hormone]] that is secreted by the [[kidneys]] that triggers the formation of new [[red blood cells]].
```smiles
CC1CC=CC=CC(C(CC(C(C(C(CC(=O)O1)O)OC)OC2C(C(C(C(O2)C)OC3CC(C(C(O3)C)O)(C)O)N(C)C)O)CCO)C)OC4CC(C(C(O4)C)O)(C)O
```
## Problems with EPO
- Too much EPO leads to [[polycythemia]]
- Not enough EPO leads to [[anemia]]
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