自发性2型糖尿病KK/Ta小鼠肾脏基因表达谱的研究

目的:应用基因芯片技术研究自发性2型糖尿病KK/Ta小鼠肾脏基因表达谱,旨在寻找糖尿病肾病的易感基因。方法:提取20周龄雄性KK/Ta(n=3)和BALB/c(n=2)小鼠肾脏总RNA,应用Affymetrix公司生产的Affymetrix Murine Genome U74Av2基因芯片检测肾脏基因表达谱。选择差异表达基因,通过竞争性RT-PCR反应验证基因芯片的结果。结果:98个已知基因和31个表达序列标签(ESTs)在20周龄KK/Ta与BALB/c小鼠的肾脏中存在着差异表达。与BALB/c小鼠相比,KK/Ta小鼠肾脏中21个已知基因和7个EST表达上调,77个已知基因和24个EST表达下调。竞争性RT-PCR反应确认了基因芯片研究的结果。结论:KK/Ta小鼠肾脏中的差异表达基因广泛参与细胞外基质的合成与降解、信号传导、转录调节与蛋白质合成、离子转运、葡萄糖与脂类代谢等。糖尿病肾病易感基因位点UA-1区域的差异表达基因S-腺苷高同型半胱氨酸水解酶基因Ahcy为糖尿病肾病的可能易感基因。     

坎地沙坦不同治疗时机对2型糖尿病KK/Ta小鼠肾脏硝化氧化应激的影响

目的:本研究旨在探讨血管紧张素Ⅱ受体拮抗剂坎地沙坦治疗对自发性2型糖尿病KK/Ta小鼠肾内硝化氧化应激的影响及其作用机制。方法:KK/Ta小鼠随机分为(1)非治疗组;(2)早期治疗组:自6周龄起经口予坎地沙坦(4mg·kg-1·d-1)治疗;(3)晚期治疗组:自12周龄起予坎地沙坦治疗,正常对照组采用BALB/c小鼠。应用免疫组化和免疫荧光染色检测肾脏中硝化氧化应激的标志物硝基酪氨酸,诱导型(iNOS)和内皮型一氧化氮合酶(eNOS)蛋白的表达,竞争性RT-PCR检测iNOS和eNOSmRNA的表达。同时测定尿白蛋白排泄率,血压和糖耐量等临床指标。结果:28周龄KK/Ta小鼠尿白蛋白排泄率增加,肾脏iNOSmRNA和蛋白表达上调,硝基酪氨酸的形成增加。坎地沙坦治疗减少尿白蛋白排泄率,抑制肾脏iNOSmRNA和蛋白的表达,减少硝基酪氨酸的形成,早期治疗组和晚期治疗组的作用差异无统计学意义。4组小鼠eNOSmRNA和蛋白的表达水平无差异。结论:坎地沙坦治疗通过下调糖尿病状态下肾脏iNOS的表达,抑制过氧亚硝基阴离子的形成,抑制硝化氧化应激反应,发挥其降低尿白蛋白排泄率等肾脏保护作用。     

microRNA-215在糖尿病肾病小鼠肾组织中的表达及意义

目的 探讨microRNA-215( miR-215)在糖尿病肾病(DN)小鼠肾组织中的表达变化规律及在DN发病中的作用.方法 选择4周龄的2型糖尿病肾病db/db小鼠(实验组)和db/m小鼠(对照组),采用实时荧光定量PCR法动态检测8、12及16周龄时肾组织miR-215的表达变化;实时荧光定量PCR和Western印迹法、免疫组化法测定连环蛋白β互动蛋白1( CTNNBIP1)的mRNA及蛋白的表达;双荧光素酶报告法确证miR-215对CTNNBIP1表达的直接调控作用.结果 (1)随着周龄的增加,db/db小鼠肾小球逐渐肥大、节段性系膜细胞增生和系膜基质积聚.(2)与同周龄的db/m小鼠比较,8、12及16周龄的db/db小鼠体质量(BW)、血糖( Glu)及24 h尿白蛋白排泄量(UAE)均显著增加(均P＜0.05).(3)随着周龄的增加,db/db小鼠肾脏组织miR-215表达显著高于同周龄的db/m小鼠(P＜0.05).(4)与同周龄的db/m小鼠比较,db/db小鼠肾脏组织CTNNBIP1 mRNA和蛋白均显著降低(均P＜0.05).(5)应用双荧光素酶报告法证实,miR-215可显著抑制CTNNBIP1的表达(P＜0.01).结论 miR-215表达上调可能通过抑制CTNNBIP1的表达参与DN的发生、发展.     

自发性2型糖尿病KKAy小鼠肾小球microRNA表达谱和氯沙坦治疗效应

目的 分析糖尿病肾病(DN)发病过程中肾小球miRNA表达谱的变化,观察血管紧张素受体拮抗剂(ARB)氯沙坦对DN肾小球miRNA表达谱的影响,确认在DN发病过程中发挥关键作用的miRNA.方法 8周龄KKAy小鼠随机分为氧沙坦治疗组(10 mg·kg-1·d-1)和非治疗组,C57BL/6小鼠作为正常对照组.于20周龄检测体质量、随机血糖、尿微量白蛋白、尿肌酐,观察肾脏形态改变.应用磁珠灌注法分离肾小球,提取总RNA,应用Affymetrix GeneChip miRNA芯片,分析KKAv小鼠肾小球microRNA表达谱的变化,以及氯沙坦对microRNA表达谱的影响.结果 KKAy小鼠的体质量和血糖较正常对照C57BL/6组小鼠显著升高(均P＜ 0.05),氯沙坦治疗显著改善2型糖尿病KKAy小鼠的尿白蛋白/肌酐比值[( 539.71±100.23) mg/g比(728.00±177.19) mg/g,P＜0.05]和肾脏病理损害,而对血糖无影响.miRNA芯片分析结果发现,与正常对照C57BL/6小鼠相比,20周龄KKAy小鼠肾小球内10个miRNA的表达上调;12个miRNA的表达下调.与KKAy非治疗组小鼠相比,20周龄氯沙坦治疗组KKAy小鼠肾小球内共有4个miRNA表达下调,其中miR-503和miR-181d在KKAy非治疗组小鼠肾小球内的表达显著上调,氯沙坦治疗可抑制其过表达.结论 miR-503和miR-181d在糖尿病KKAy小鼠肾小球内的表达显著上调,氯沙坦治疗可抑制其在糖尿病状态下的异常表达,可能为糖尿病肾病新的治疗靶点.     

输注分子嵌合前体T细胞减低小鼠脾脏T细胞对异基因小鼠T细胞的刺激反应

目的构建分子嵌合主要组织相容性复合体(MHC)-Ⅰ基因小鼠前体T细胞,并探讨其诱导脾脏T细胞减低对异基因小鼠T细胞反应的可行性。方法体外分离培养BALB/c小鼠前体T细胞,构建携带C57BL/6小鼠MHC-Ⅰ基因(H-2Db和H-2Kb)真核表达载体pIRES-H-2Db和pIRES-H-2Kb,分别转染BALB/c小鼠前体T细胞,构建分子嵌合前体T细胞。将分子嵌合前体T细胞回输BALB/c小鼠后7天,获取脾脏T淋巴细胞,与C57BL/6小鼠T细胞进行混合淋巴细胞培养,观测刺激指数(SI)。结果成功体外培养BALB/c小鼠前体T细胞,体外转染C57BL/6小鼠H-2Db和H-2Kb基因至BALB/c小鼠前体T细胞,H-2Db和H-2Kb蛋白表达率分别可达(14.90±0.56)%和(14.20±0.63)%。单向混合淋巴细胞培养显示,输注分子嵌合前体T细胞的BALB/c小鼠脾脏T细胞对C57BL/6小鼠T细胞SI,在pIRES-H-2Db和pIRES-H-2Kb转染的小鼠前体T细胞共注射组为(0.764±0.074),比空质粒组(0.983±0.081)和未转染组(0.994±0.142)明显下降(均P<0.05)。共注射组SI值分别与转染质粒pIRES-H-2Db组SI值(0.859±0.085)和转染质粒pIRES-H-2Kb组SI值(0.860±0.097)相比,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。结论输注分子嵌合MHC-Ⅰ基因前体T细胞的小鼠脾脏T细胞对异基因小鼠T细胞刺激反应明显减低。     

CTLA4-Ig抑制小鼠同种异体门静脉移植物排斥反应的实验研究

目的 建立鼠同种异体门静脉移植模型,并研究门静脉移植物免疫排斥反应及其处理方法.方法 选用近交系C57BL/6(H2b)和BALB/c(H2d)小鼠,进行异体门静脉移植的动物实验,设同基因移植组(BALB/c到BALB/c),异基因移植组(C57BL/6到BALB/c)和异基因移植加CTLA4-Ig治疗组.结果 共实施80例小鼠门静脉移植,全组手术成功率91.3%(73/80).异基因组术后1周即出现明显排斥反应,管壁全层由单核细胞浸润.术后2周内皮层和肌层破坏进一步加重,管壁增厚伴管腔狭窄.术后4～8周内皮和肌层完全被新生的细胞外基质替代,单核细胞浸润相对减轻.异基因CTLA4-Ig治疗组术后排斥反应受到明显抑制,管壁厚度和管腔面积与同基因组类似,与异基因组相比获得明显改善.结论 CTLA4-Ig能有效抑制同种异体门静脉移植物免疫排斥反应.     

肝细胞肝癌CDH1基因启动子C/A单核苷酸多态性与蛋白表达的关系

目的 探讨原发性肝细胞肝癌CDH1基因启动子-160位点的C/A单核苷酸多态性(SNP)与其蛋白表达的关系.方法 以34例肝癌手术病人为对象,DNA直接测序法检测其血液标本中CDH1基因启动子-160位点C/A SNP,免疫组化法检测组织标本中CDH1的蛋白产物--上皮钙黏素(E-cadherin)的表达情况,比较分析C/A SNP与E-cadherin表达的关系.结果 E-cadherin高表达组18例(52.9%),低表达组16例(47.1%),两组的基因型出现率CC与CA,AA比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),CA与AA间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),A、C等位基因频率在两组差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论 CDH1基因启动子-160位点的C/A SNP在肝癌E-cadherin表达中可能发挥重要作用,且A等位基因的出现与E-cadherin表达下调相关.     

一个影响前列腺癌中L-plastin启动子转录活性的多态性位点的成功鉴定

目的研究已发现的前列腺癌中L-plastin启动子一个多态性位点对其转录活性的影响和意义。方法扩增前列腺癌细胞株LNCaP中L-plastin启动子序列,发现在距离转录起始点-1751上存在多态性位点T后,利用定点突变技术构建文献报道的启动子序列质粒(-1751C),测定含-1751T质粒和含-1751C质粒的荧光素酶活性。用巢式PCR扩增前列腺癌细胞株和癌组织中该位点序列,并进行单链构象多态性分析。结果成功构建L-plastin启动子,并发现一个位于-1751的多态性位点(C/T);成功构建启动子序列含-1751C质粒;荧光素酶活性测定表明(-1751C)质粒启动子转录活性为(-1751T)质粒的4~5倍,2者受到雄激素刺激后活性均升高;单链构象多态性分析表明该位点多态性普遍存在于前列腺癌患者和细胞株。结论鉴定了一个普遍存在于前列腺癌的L-plastin基因启动子的多态性位点,含有不同碱基位点的启动子的转录活性明显不同。     

粒细胞集落刺激因子减轻小鼠混合骨髓移植后移植物抗宿主病的实验研究

目的探讨同基因骨髓混合一定比例粒细胞集落刺激因子(G-CSF)动员的异基因骨髓移植能否减轻急性移植物抗宿主病(aGVHD).方法将BALB/c与BCF1(BALB/c×C57BL/6)小鼠或与G-CSF动员BCF1小鼠脾细胞按一定比例混合,腹腔注入BALB/c幼鼠,制备新生小鼠GVHD模型,结果以脾指数表示.成年雌性BALB/c小鼠接受60Co全身照射8.5Gy后进行移植,移植物为BALB/c与雄性BCF1或与G-CSF动员BCF.小鼠骨髓细胞按一定比例的混合,移植细胞总数60×105个/只.观察移植小鼠aGVHD典型症状、病理表现及存活率.ELISA法测定细胞因子含量,流式细胞术分析T细胞亚群变化.结果(1)注射BALB/c与BCF1小鼠脾细胞混合比例为21、11及异基因BCF1小鼠脾细胞的新生小鼠均发生GVHD;但G-CSF动员与否,GVHD发生程度差异有统计学意义.(2)21及11混合骨髓移植(MBMT)组小鼠有中到重度GVHD表现;经G-CSF动员的MBMT组小鼠8周存活率较未动员组明显提高(P＜0.05).(3)G-CSF动员供鼠后L3T4+细胞下降显著,L3T4+/Lyt2+比值明显低于未动员组(P＜0.01).(4)G-CSF动员供鼠后混合淋巴细胞反应(MLR)细胞培养上清中,IL-2、IFN-γ水平降低,IL-4水平升高.结论同基因骨髓混合一定量H-2半相合异基因骨髓移植可减轻GVHD的发生;G-CSF动员供鼠可进一步减轻MBMT后GVHD的发生.其机理可能与IL-2、IFN-γ下降、IL-4升高有关.     

前列腺癌LNCaP细胞L-plastin启动子-1751C/T单核苷酸多态性导致与转录因子NKX3.1结合活性改变

目的 鉴定与前列腺癌LNCaP细胞肌动蛋白结合蛋白L-plastin启动子-1751C/T单核苷酸多态性位点结合的转录因子,并研究-1751C/T单核苷酸多态性导致与转录因子结合活性的改变.方法 应用荧光素酶活性实验和凝胶迁移实验分析是否有转录因子结合于L-plastin启动子的-1751C/T位点.应用生物信息学分析L-plastin启动子-1751位点可能的结合蛋白,并应用凝胶迁移超滞后实验证实.应用Western blot检测该蛋白在正常前列腺上皮及前列腺癌细胞中的表达水平.结果 有一个抑制性转录因子结合于L-plastin启动子的-1751T序列上.生物信息学预测L-plastin启动子-1751位点可能的结合蛋白有5个可能,凝胶迁移超滞后实验证实为NKX3.1.NKX3.1在前列腺癌细胞中过表达,与L-plastin启动子-1751T序列较-1751C序列有更高的亲和力结论 L-plastin启动子-1751C/T单核苷酸多态性导致与NKX3.1结合活性改变,可能与前列腺癌发病相关.     

Chromosomal mapping of a quantitative trait locus for the development of albuminuria in diabetic KK/Ta mice.

BACKGROUND: The KK/Ta mouse strain serves as a suitable polygenic model for human type 2 diabetes. We previously reported a genome-wide linkage analysis of KK/Ta alleles contributing to type 2 diabetes and related phenotypes such as fasting hyperglycaemia, glucose intolerance, hyperinsulinaemia, obesity and dyslipidaemia. METHODS: Since KK/Ta mice spontaneously develop renal lesions closely resembling those in human diabetic nephropathy, we investigated the susceptibility loci using the KK/Ta x (BALB/c x KK/Ta) F1 backcross progeny in the present study. RESULTS: A genome-wide analysis of susceptibility loci for albuminuria with microsatellite-based chromosomal maps showed a contributing KK/Ta locus, provisionally designated UA-1, with a significant linkage with the interval on chromosome 2 at 83.0 cM close to the microsatellite marker D2Mit311 with a maximum LOD of 3.5 (chi(2) = 13.2, P = 0.0003). UA-1 was different from the susceptibility loci contributing to type 2 diabetes, which we earlier identified. The mode of inheritance differed from that of hypertension. The progeny homozygous for UA-1 showed significantly higher urinary albumin levels. CONCLUSIONS: Although there were no significant correlations between urinary albumin levels and other diabetic phenotypes, the group of progeny homozygous for both UA-1 and alleles for fasting hyperglycaemia showed the highest urinary albumin levels. Thus, UA-1 appears to increase the risk of diabetic nephropathy, particularly in individuals susceptible to fasting hyperglycaemia, in a gene dosage-dependent manner. There are potentially important candidate genes that may be relevant to diabetic nephropathy.     

Identification of epistatic interaction involved in obesity using the KK/Ta mouse as a Type 2 diabetes model: is Zn-alpha2 glycoprotein-1 a candidate gene for obesity?

The KK/Ta strain serves as a suitable polygenic mouse model for the common form of type 2 diabetes associated with obesity in humans. Recently, we reported the susceptibility loci contributing to type 2 diabetes and related phenotypes in KK/Ta mice. In this study, we focused on expression in the kidneys and liver of KK/Ta and BALB/c mice using differential display (DD) PCR. Zn-alpha(2) glycoprotein-1 (Azgp1) mRNA levels were increased in the kidneys and liver in KK/Ta mice, and sequence analysis revealed a missense mutation. We analyzed the relationship between this polymorphism and various phenotypes in 208 KK/Ta x (BALB/c x KK/Ta) F1 backcross mice. Statistical analysis revealed that Azgp1 and D17Mit218 exhibit a suggestive linkage to body weight (8 weeks) (logarithm of odds 2.3 and 2.9, respectively). Moderate gene-gene interactions were observed at these loci. Adiponectin mRNA levels in 3T3-L1 cells transfected with the expression pcDNA 3.1 vector containing Azgp1 coding sequence of KK/Ta mice were significantly higher than those of BALB/c mice. These results suggest that Azgp1 is a possible candidate gene for regulation of body weight, elucidation of polygenic inheritance, and age-dependent changes in the genetic control of obesity.     

Candesartan reduced advanced glycation end-products accumulation and diminished nitro-oxidative stress in type 2 diabetic KK/Ta mice.

BACKGROUND: Angiotensin-II induces nitro-oxidative stress in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Peroxynitrite and reactive oxide species can accelerate formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). We investigated the effects of candesartan, an angiotensin-II type 1 receptor blocker (ARB), on the formation of AGEs and nitro-oxidative stress in type 2 diabetic KK/Ta mouse kidneys. METHODS: KK/Ta mice were divided into three treatment groups: an early treatment group receiving 4 mg/kg/day candesartan from 6 to 28 weeks of age, a late treatment group receiving the same candesartan dose from 12 to 28 weeks of age and a group receiving the vehicle for candesartan. BALB/c mice treated with vehicle were used as controls. We evaluated at 28 weeks the renal expressions of carboxymethyllysine, the receptor for AGE (RAGE), the p47phox component of NADPH oxidase, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and 8-OHdG and nitrotyrosine by immunohistochemistry and/or by competitive RT-PCR. RESULTS: Kidneys from KK/Ta mice showed increased formation of AGEs, nitro-oxidative stress and RAGE expression and these were attenuated by candesartan treatment. Protein and mRNA expressions of p47phox and iNOS were upregulated in KK/Ta kidneys, which also showed increased immunostaining intensities of 8-OHdG and nitrotyrosine. Treatment with candesartan attenuated all of these changes and prevented significant albuminuria. There were no significant differences in the expression of eNOS among the four groups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that candesartan, an ARB, reduces AGE accumulation and subsequent albuminuria by down-regulating the NADPH oxidase p47phox component and iNOS expression and by attenuating RAGE expression in type 2 diabetic KK/Ta mouse kidneys.     

Susceptibility and negative epistatic loci contributing to type 2 diabetes and related phenotypes in a KK/Ta mouse model

The KK/Ta mouse strain serves as a suitable polygenic model for human type 2 diabetes. Using 93 microsatellite markers in 208 KK/Ta x (BALB/c x KK/Ta)F1 male backcross mice, we carried out a genome-wide linkage analysis of KK/Ta alleles contributing to type 2 diabetes and related phenotypes, such as obesity and dyslipidemia. We identified three major chromosomal intervals significantly contributing to impaired glucose metabolism: one quantitative trait locus for impaired glucose tolerance on chromosome 6 and two loci for fasting blood glucose levels on chromosomes 12 and 15. The latter two loci appeared to act in a complementary fashion. Two intervals showed significant linkages for serum triglyceride levels, one on chromosome 4 and the other on chromosome 8. The KK allele on chromosome 8 acts to promote serum triglyceride levels, whereas the KK allele on chromosome 4 acts to suppress this effect in a recessive fashion. In addition, it is suggested that the chromosome 4 locus also acts to downregulate body weight and that the chromosome 8 locus acts to upregulate serum insulin levels. Our data clearly showed that each disease phenotype of type 2 diabetes and related disorders in KK/Ta mice is under the control of separate genetic mechanisms. However, there appear to be common genes contributing to different disease phenotypes. There are potentially important candidate genes that may be relevant to the disease.     

Characterization of susceptibility of inbred mouse strains to diabetic nephropathy

Differential susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy has been observed in humans, but it has not been well defined in inbred strains of mice. The present studies characterized the severity of diabetic nephropathy in six inbred mouse strains including C57BL/6J, DBA/2J, FVB/NJ, MRL/MpJ, A/J, and KK/HlJ mice. Diabetes mellitus was induced using low-dose streptozotocin injection. Progression of renal injury was evaluated by serial measurements of urinary albumin excretion, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and terminal assessment of renal morphology over 25 weeks. Despite comparable levels of hyperglycemia, urinary albumin excretion and renal histopathological changes were dramatically different among strains. DBA/2J and KK/HlJ mice developed significantly more albuminuria than C57BL/6J, MRL/MpJ, and A/J mice. Severe glomerular mesangial expansion, nodular glomerulosclerosis, and arteriolar hyalinosis were observed in diabetic DBA/2J and KK/HlJ mice. Glomerular hyperfiltration was observed in all diabetic strains studied except A/J. The significant decline in GFR was not evident over the 25-week period of study, but diabetic DBA/2J mice exhibited a tendency for GFR to decline. Taken together, these results indicate that differential susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy exists in inbred mice. DBA/2J and KK/HlJ mice are more prone to diabetic nephropathy, whereas the most widely used C57BL/6J mice are relatively resistant to development of diabetic nephropathy.     

Cholecystokinin plays a novel protective role in diabetic kidney through anti-inflammatory actions on macrophage: anti-inflammatory effect of cholecystokinin

Inflammatory process is involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. In this article, we show that cholecystokinin (CCK) is expressed in the kidney and exerts renoprotective effects through its anti-inflammatory actions. DNA microarray showed that CCK was upregulated in the kidney of diabetic wild-type (WT) mice but not in diabetic intracellular adhesion molecule-1 knockout mice. We induced diabetes in CCK-1 receptor (CCK-1R) and CCK-2R double-knockout (CCK-1R(-/-),-2R(-/-)) mice, and furthermore, we performed a bone marrow transplantation study using CCK-1R(-/-) mice to determine the role of CCK-1R on macrophages in the diabetic kidney. Diabetic CCK-1R(-/-),-2R(-/-) mice revealed enhanced albuminuria and inflammation in the kidney compared with diabetic WT mice. In addition, diabetic WT mice with CCK-1R(-/-) bone marrow-derived cells developed more albuminuria than diabetic CCK-1R(-/-) mice with WT bone marrow-derived cells. Administration of sulfated cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8S) ameliorated albuminuria, podocyte loss, expression of proinflammatory genes, and infiltration of macrophages in the kidneys of diabetic rats. Furthermore, CCK-8S inhibited both expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and chemotaxis in cultured THP-1 cells. These results suggest that CCK suppresses the activation of macrophage and expression of proinflammatory genes in diabetic kidney. Our findings may provide a novel strategy of therapy for the early stage of diabetic nephropathy.     

Altered gene expression related to glomerulogenesis and podocyte structure in early diabetic nephropathy of db/db mice and its restoration by pioglitazone

Glomerular injury plays a pivotal role in the development of diabetic nephropathy. To elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying diabetic glomerulopathy, we compared glomerular gene expression profiles of db/db mice with those of db/m control mice at a normoalbuminuric stage characterized by hyperglycemia and at an early stage of diabetic nephropathy with elevated albuminuria, using cDNA microarray. In db/db mice at the normoalbuminuric stage, hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha), ephrin B2, glomerular epithelial protein 1, and Pod-1, which play key roles in glomerulogenesis, were already upregulated in parallel with an alteration of genes related to glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and oxidative stress. Podocyte structure-related genes, actinin 4alpha and dystroglycan 1 (DG1), were also significantly upregulated at an early stage. The alteration in the expression of these genes was confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR. Through pioglitazone treatment, gene expression of ephrin B2, Pod-1, actinin 4alpha, and DG1, as well as that of oxidative stress and lipid metabolism, was restored concomitant with attenuation of albuminuria. In addition, HIF-1alpha protein expression was partially attenuated by pioglitazone. These results suggest that not only metabolic alteration and oxidative stress, but also the alteration of gene expression related to glomerulogenesis and podocyte structure, may be involved in the pathogenesis of early diabetic glomerulopathy in type 2 diabetes.