Question

Cytokines are similar to polypeptide hormones, since they facilitate communication between cells and do so at very low concentrations. Cytokines are short-lived and may act locally either on the same cell that secreted them or other cells, or, like hormones, they may act systemically. More than 25 cytokines have now been identified that exhibit some sort of hematopoietic activity. What is an example of a cytokine that is also a hormone?

Gas
G-CSF
EPO
RANTES
MAGE

Answer 1

Erythropoietin (EPO) is an example of a cytokine that also functions as a hormone, primarily involved in the production of red blood cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cytokines are protein molecules that act as chemical signals and are critical for cell communication, especially within the immune system. An example of a cytokine that also functions as a hormone is Erythropoietin (EPO), which is produced by the kidneys and stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow.

While cytokines like Interleukins and Colony-Stimulating Factors (CSFs) primarily regulate immune responses and hematopoiesis, EPO has the dual role of acting as a systemic hormone, regulating red blood cell production, and is used medically to treat certain anemias.