CCL2 and liver dysplastic nodule: Furthermore, Ang II, as an inflammatory factor, induces the activation and translocation of inflammation-initiated nuclear factor-κB in the early stages of DN (22), leading to the expression of cytokines and adhesion molecules, including intercellular adhesion molecule 1, monocyte chemotactic factor (MCP-1) and osteopontin, and the recruitment of large numbers of inflammatory cells infiltrating into the glomerular and renal tubular interstitium.