CCN2 and glomerulosclerosis: Inhibition of NLRP3 in the kidney (via silencing of NLRP3 or the studies in NLRP3 knockout mice) may improve renal function, and attenuate glomerular hypertrophy, glomerulosclerosis, mesangial expansion, interstitial fibrosis, inflammation, and expression of TGF-β1 and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF).