CCN2 and renal fibrosis: One study indicated that 14 weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (60 min/day, five times/week for 14 weeks) inhibited CTGF and α-SMA expression, blocked the Ang II-angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1R)-TGF-β signaling pathway, and effectively ameliorated renal fibrosis in spontaneously hypertensive rats [84].