SMAD7 and renal fibrosis: However, KFX exhibited a renoprotective effect by alleviating renal fibrosis induced by unilateral ureteral ligation in a dose-dependent manner, and the mechanism was related to the regulation of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway transducers, including TGF-β1, Smad3, and Smad7.[112] Subsequently, Huang et al conducted a preliminary exploration that suggested that upregulation of hepatocyte growth factor and MMP9 and downregulation of TIMP-1, which reduces nephritic cell infiltration and fibrous tissue deposition, may be potential targets of KFX in renal fibrosis.[113]