SMAD3 and liver dysplastic nodule: It was shown by immunohistochemistry (Figure 7F) and quantification of the staining intensity (Figure 7G) that the protein level of PPARγ was decreased with concomitant increase in the level of TGF-β1, phospho-Smad3, CTGF, Fibronectin, and Collagen I in renal biopsies of DN patients.