Kristjansdottir HL, Lewerin C, Lerner UH, et al. - Because no human studies are available on erythropoietin (EPO) and fracture risk, researchers analyzed the potential connection between EPO and BMD, fracture risk and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) in humans. EPO plasma levels were analyzed in 999 men (69-81 years), partaking in the Gothenburg part of the population-based study MrOS Sweden. Data reported that the mean ± SD EPO was 11.5 ± 9.0 IU/L. Outcomes were stratified by eGFR 60 ml/min. EPO was linked to age, total hip BMD, intact (i)FGF23 and osteocalcin for men with eGFR ≥ 60 ml/min (N = 728). In a fully adjusted Cox regression model, high EPO was related to a higher risk for incident fractures, major osteoporotic fractures and vertebral fractures. There was no connection between EPO and BMD or fracture risk in men with eGFR < 60 ml/min. In elderly men with normal renal function, high EPO levels were linked to increased fractures risk and increased BMD.