# 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]] ___