- EPO inhibits NF-kB and reduces expression of pro-inflammatory genes (Nos2, TNF-α, and IL-6) in mice (73)- EPO downregulates the expression of inflammatory cytokines by macrophages (71)- In pristane-induced lupus-like murine model, EPO increases phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by macrophages and reduces accumulation of dying cells (74). The gene discussed is NFKB1; the disease is systemic lupus erythematosus.