EPO has shown protective effects in several experimental AKI models, through various mechanisms including the regulation of microvascular injury [7], the reduction in tubulointerstitial injury (independent of its hemopoietic effects) [16], anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects [17], decreased fibrocyte accumulation [18], and the modulation of macrophage polarization [19,20]. The gene discussed is EPO; the disease is acute kidney injury.