ACTA1 and renal fibrosis: The effects of EC and EC ferment (ECF) on CKD were explored by the exogenous supplementation of EC and ECF; Results: The results of the study showed that exogenous supplementation with EC and ECF suc-cessfully reduced creatinine and urea nitrogen levels, down-regulated the expression levels of TGF-β1, α-SMA, Smad3, and phospho-Smad3 in the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway, and ameliorated renal fibrosis; Conclusions: Both EC and ECF may have reno-protective effects and provide a reference for relevant clinical drug development.