Both (PAA and PC) upregulated the protein expression of Zonula occludens protein 1 (ZO1), occludin and claudin-1, inhibited the inflammatory IκB/NF-κB pathway as well as the upregulated cytoprotective (anti-oxidant response regulator) Keap1/Nrf2 pathway in CKD treated (with PAA and PC) rats versus CKD rats. The gene discussed is CLDN1; the disease is chronic kidney disease.