Erythropoietin mRNA expression was measured by quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis in the retina from eight nondiabetic and eight age-matched diabetic donors without diabetic retinopathy
In vitro and in vivo experimental studies as well as small interventional clinical studies suggest a potential beneficial effect of externally administered EPO in early diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema.
In this case-control study, the erythropoietin (EPO) promoter variant s1617640, linked to high intravitreal EPO concentrations and increased risk of diabetic retinopathy, was not associated with severe retinopathy of prematurity.