Objective: To investigate nephrin and desmin expression in rat podocytes in early diabetic nephropathy (DN) and the rale of angiotensin II receptor antagonist in renal protection.
Methods: Rat models of DN established by a injection of a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) were randomized into model group and irbesartan group, with rats without STZ injection as the normal control group. The rats in irbesartan group were subjected to daily intragastric irbesartan administration for 8 consecutive weeks, while those in the model group received only saline in the same manner. Upon completion of the treatment, the rats were sacrificed and pathological changes of the kidney were examined with optical and transmission electron microscope. Nephrin and desmin expressions in the podocytes were detected by immunohistochemistry.
Results: In rats with DN, irbesartan administration alleviated podocyte injury and significantly lowered the expression of nephrin and desmin (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Angiotensin II receptor antagonist may offer renal protection against DN by alleviating structural and functional podocyte damage through decreasing nephrin expression in the podocytes.