Erythropoietin (EPO), a glycoprotein hormone produced mainly by the kidney, is the primary regulator of erythropoiesis.4 EPO not only affects the hematopoietic system, but also has numerous extramedullary (non-erythropoietic) effects, such as antiapoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity.5–7 Parsa et al.8 reported that preconditioning with EPO protected H9C2 myoblasts in vitro and cardiomyocytes in vivo against ischemic injury and improved cardiac function following myocardial infarction. This evidence concerns the gene EPO and myocardial infarction.