Protein expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), collagen IV (Col IV) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) could be reduced using the petroleum-ether extracts of T. sinensis seeds, and the petroleum-ether extracts of T. sinensis seeds have been shown to have protective effects on rats DN by inhibiting oxidative stress and protein expression of TGF-β1, Col IV and CTGF [58]. This evidence concerns the gene CCN2 and liver dysplastic nodule.