Abstract
Context: Fibrates, the ligands of peroxisome profileferator-activated receptor- have been shown to have a renal protective action in diabetic nephropathy (DN). Objective: This study aimed to elucidate the effect of fenofibrate on renal transforming growth factor-1 (TGF-1) and Smad3 in Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DN. Methods: Diabetes was induced in rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (55mg/kg). Diabetic rats were given fenofibrate (100mg/kg, p.o.). After 12 weeks, diabetic nephropathy biomarkers were assessed. The mRNA expression of collage I and III, TGF-1 and Smad3 and were detected by RT-PCR. Results: Fenofibrate reduced significantly serum creatinine, kidney/body weight ratio, serum albumin excretion Collage I & III, TGF-1 and Smad3 mRNA expression. Conclusions: Our results give further insights into the mechanisms underlying the protective role of fenofibrate in DN, suggesting that interference with TGF-1/Smad3 signaling pathway may be a useful therapeutic approach to prevent DN.