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.
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.
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