Fig. 5

PROTAC attenuates renal fibrosis and ameliorates renal function and renal anemia of 5/6Nx mice. A Experimental design of evaluating the therapeutic effect of PROTAC on 5/6Nx animal models. B Western blot analyses of HIF-1α, HIF-2α, Smad3, collagen-I and α-SMA expression and C quantification of them in 5/6Nx mice (n = 6/per group). D Representative Masson’s trichrome staining of renal sections among indicated groups. Scale bar: 500 μm. E The positive-stained area of Masson’s trichrome was quantitatively measured (\(\times\)400 magnification, n = 8/per group). F Trajectory of Cystatin C of indicated groups at indicated times (n \(\ge\) 6/per group) and renal function was evaluated with G serum creatinine and H serum BUN after 5 weeks of vehicle or PROTAC treatment (n = 8/per group). Trajectory of I HGB and J RBC counts of indicated groups at indicated times (n \(\ge\) 6/per group, **P < 0.01 compared between PROTAC-treated and vehicle-treated mice in 5/6Nx group. ^#P < 0.05 compared between PROTAC-treated and vehicle-treated mice in Sham group). K The serum level of EPO was determined in indicated groups. The situation of iron mobilization was indicated with serum level of L Hepcidin, (M) Fe²⁺ and N Ferritin of indicated groups after 5 weeks of treatment. Veh = vehicle, 5/6Nx = 5/6 nephrectomy model, HGB = hemoglobin, RBC = red blood cells. Data are means ± SD. NS = not significant, *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001, ****P < 0.0001