However, after i/p injection of SkQR1 we could not detect induction of EPO production in the brain, although this compound significantly diminished the size of the brain ischemic damage, lowered neurological deficit after focal brain ischemia, and inhibited proapoptotic enzyme GSK-3β, increased EPO in the urine and both the number of erythrocytes and hemoglobin in the blood as well. The gene discussed is EPO; the disease is brain ischemia.