Protective effects of s-ethyl cysteine (SEC) and s-methyl cysteine (SMC) in kidney of diabetic mice were examined. SEC and SMC at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 g/L were added to the drinking water for 6 wk. Results showed that the intake of SEC or SMC alleviated body weight loss and urine output, as well as markedly decreased plasma blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine clearance (CCr) in diabetic mice (P < 0.05). The intake of SEC caused significantly dose-dependent increase in insulin and decrease in blood glucose, urinary albumin and type IV collagen (P < 0.05). SEC and SMC intake significantly and dose-dependently decreased malondialdehyde level and increased glutathione content in kidney (P < 0.05). The intake of these agents also increased renal GPx activity (P < 0.05), but there was no dose-dependent effect. SEC treatments dose-dependently decreased IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels, increased IL-4 and IL-10 levels, as well as upregulated IL-10 mRNA expression (P < 0.05). SMC treatments significantly suppressed renal IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels (P < 0.05), but did not affect IL-4 and IL-10 levels (P < 0.05). SEC or SMC intake significantly suppressed renal TGF-beta1 level and renal PKC activity (P < 0.05); however, only SEC treatments showed dose-dependent effect. SEC and SMC treatments significantly down-regulated mRNA expression of renal TGF-beta1 (P < 0.05), only SEC treatments had dose-dependent effects. Based on the observed antioxidative, antiinflammatory, and antifibrogenic effects, the supplement of SEC or SMC might be helpful for the prevention or treatment of diabetic kidney diseases.