T2D rats exhibited ⁓2.7- (p < 0.01), ⁓3.1- (p < 0.01), and ⁓2.2-fold (p < 0.01) increases in TGF-β1, P-Smad3, and collagen IV expressions in renal cells, respectively (Figure 12g,h). This evidence concerns the gene SMAD3 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.