BACKGROUND: Hyporesponsiveness to erythropoietin (EPO) is a common problem for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). More effective treatments to improve EPO response are needed. METHODS: We used in vitro K562 cell and in vivo 5/6 nephrectomy rat CKD models to explore the relationship between EPO and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ (PPARδ) agonists, and use quantitative PCR to confirm the molecular level. RESULTS: Interleukin-1 (IL-1) was shown to decrease EPO receptor expression in K562 cells. The IL-1-induced inhibition could be reversed by PPARδ agonist. PPARδ agonists significantly decreased blood IL-1, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α, and C-reactive protein levels, inhibited kidney expression of two apoptosis-promoting proteins, caspase 3 and BAX, and enhanced the hematopoietic effect of EPO in rats with 5/6 nephrectomy. (CKD). CONCLUSION: The anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotsic effects of PPARδ agonists may help to improve EPO hyporesponsiveness in CKD patients.