peroxidation, and enhanced endogenous antioxidant enzymes.It also alleviated histopathological alterations and ECM accumulation in the mesangial region while normalizing mRNA levels of Shh, Gli1, nephrin, desmin, NF-B, and TGF-1.Rats administered with KEF have lowered the shh pathway related proteins, inflammatory and fibrotic markers, validated by western blot analysis showed the downregulation of pathway targeted proteins. Conclusion:In conclusion, the results indicate protective role of KEF against DKD via inhibiting Shh pathway and its downstream effector Gli-1, KEF thereby, reducing fibrosis, ECM deposition, and inflammation.Both in vitro and in vivo findings confirmed improved renal architecture and function, along with decreased inflammation and fibrosis.These results highlight kaempferol as a promising phytotherapeutic agent for the prevention and management of DKD, offering a multi-targeted strategy to counter hyperglycemia-driven renal injury and progression toward end-stage renal disease.I have no potential conflict of interest to disclose.I did not use generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process.
Orehovački et al. (2026) studied this question.