While our study demonstrates a significant upregulation of α-SMA, a well-established marker of myofibroblast, in renal epithelial and fibroblast cells exposed to combined Ang II and oxLDL treatment, we acknowledge the evolving understanding of EMT, particularly the role of partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (pEMT) in CKD. Here, AGT is linked to chronic kidney disease.