TGFB1 and renal fibrosis: It has also been implicated in renal fibrosis processes by inducing the expression of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), as well as in the activation of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, enhancing the release of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-18 [123].