Fig. 13

Schematic illustration of renal protection by intervention with CB1 and CB2. Pharmacological antagonism and genetic knockout of CB1, as well as pharmacological activation or genetic overexpression of CB2, may exert renal protective effects by downregulating TGF-β and α-SMA, and alleviating collagen matrix to exert anti-fibrotic effects. Additionally, by downregulating MCP-1, TNF-α, and interleukin factors, they act against inflammation. These mechanisms contribute to the reduction of markers like creatinine, urea nitrogen, and urinary protein in animal models of renal injury, without altering blood glucose levels or body weight. The regulatory effects of CB1 and CB2 on renal function can be likened to a "yin-yang" relationship