Schematic diagram of the molecular pathway for STAT3 transcription factor and inhibitory effects of synthetic decoy ODNs on autophagy in renal fibrosis. Abbreviations: UUO, unilateral ureteral obstruction; decoy ODNs, decoy oligonucleotides; STAT3, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3; α-SMA, α-smooth muscle actin; IL-1β, interleukin-1β; TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor-α; IL-6, interleukin-6; p-PI3K, phospho-phosphoinositide 3-kinase; p-Akt, phospho-protein kinase B; p-mTOR, phospho-mammalian target of rapamycin; LC3, microtubule-associated protein light chain 3; Atg5-12, autophagy-related 5-12; HIF-1α, hypoxia inducible factor-1α.