miR-188-5p overexpression reversed the anti-EMT effects of triptolide in vitro. (A) Representative PTEN, PI3K, p-AKT and t-AKT bands by Western blot in HK-2 cells. (B) Densitometric analysis of PTEN, PI3K, p-AKT and t-AKT by Western blot (n=4). (C) Representative E-cadherin, vimentin and α-SMA bands by Western blot in HK-2 cells. (D) Densitometric analysis of E-cadherin, vimentin and α-SMA bands by Western blot (n=4). Data are expressed as the mean ± SD. *P < 0.05 vs. the HG group. #P < 0.05 vs. the HG+TP group. NG: normal glucose; MA: mannitol; HG: high glucose; TP: triptolide; miR-188-5pm: miR-188-5p mimic; miR-mNC: negative control of miR-188-5p mimic.