After performing transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in Bsg−/− (knockout) mice and in wild-type (WT) mice, Bsg−/− mice showed reduced oxidative stress and MMPs activity in the left ventricle, less cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac interstitial fibrosis, as well as significantly improved long-term survival. The gene discussed is BSG; the disease is Interstitial cardiac fibrosis.