Erythropoietin receptors have been observed on enterocytes in the developing human fetus and in human neonates [26, 27], and based on all of the work described below we speculate that rhEPO plays an important role against NEC in very preterm infants through its anti-inflammatory actions, by maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier, by inhibiting apoptosis, and by inhibiting oxidative stress. This evidence concerns the gene EPOR and necrotizing enterocolitis.