TNF and diabetic neuropathy: Recombinant human EPO (rhEPO) improved sensory nerve function in streptozotocin-induced diabetic neuropathy.4 Erythropoietin reduced allodynia and improved motor function in rodents after L5 spinal nerve transection, dorsal root ganglion crush injury, and chronic constriction injury.12,23,34 Importantly, signs of spinal inflammation were reduced by systemic administration of rhEPO resulting in less reactive glial cells and decreased release of TNF-α, interleukin-1β, and NF-κB activation in the spinal cord and at supraspinal sites.