BAG3 and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Of note, BAG3 mRNA did increase significantly in IPF fibroblasts treated with Pirf but did not significantly alter in response to Aza, Ctd or in combination with Pirf, although a trend towards increased BAG3 mRNA expression was observed (Figure 4D), indicating the action of these drugs on BAG3 protein level rather than its mRNA.