In the present study, fewer upregulated genes than downregulated genes were detected, and among the 3 combinations of nintedanib- and vehicle-treated mice based on the progression of pulmonary fibrosis, only three common upregulated genes were identified (Rfx2, Hspa1a, and Hspa1b; Fig 2A). This evidence concerns the gene HSPA1B and pulmonary fibrosis.