Fig. 7: VEGF-A + sEV protects against I/R-induced chronic tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis.

a RT-qPCR analysis of α-SMA, Collagen I, TNF-α, and MCP-1 mRNA levels in kidneys at day 30-post I/R injury (n = 5). b Immunohistochemical analysis of α-SMA accumulation and infiltration of macrophages (F4/80) and T cells (CD4 and CD8) in kidney sections. Scale bars, 50 μm. Quantification on the basis of five mice with at least ten sections counted in each. Data are presented as means ± SD. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001 vs. Vehicle group. Two-tailed Student’s t test.