Clinical evidence shows that urinary human EGF (hEGF) levels are largely downregulated in patients with AKI compared to those of control subjects.30 A study showed that the administration of exogenous EGF increased the DNA replication and recovery of renal function in IRI.31 EGF also attenuates mercuric chloride (HgCl2)-induced tubular necrosis by stimulating the regeneration of resident cells rather than bone marrow-derived cells.32 Here, EGF is linked to acute kidney injury.