TGFB1 and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: In our study, patients with diabetic renal disease and those with podocytopathies, specifically FSGS, MN, and MCD, showed a significant upregulation of profibrotic inducers TGF-β, CTGF, and VEGF relative to control biopsies, and, at the same time, downregulation of mRNA of alpha-actinin-4, podocin, and podocalyxin.