The Erythropoetin Gene Polymorphism Associates with Hemoglobin Levels, Hematocrit and Red Blood Cell Count in Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease.

Background: Erythropoietin has a pivotal role in erythropoiesis and angiogenesis. A common polymorphism (rs1617640, A > C) in the promoter of the erythropoietin gene (EPO) has been associated with erythropoietin expression and microvascular complications of diabetes. We aimed to analyze the potential role of this polymorphism in the pathogenesis of peripheral arterial disease (PAD).