Diabetic nephropathy

 Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common chronic microvascular complication of both types of diabetes mellitus, which leads to renal dysfunction and subsequent need of dialysis and organ transplantation. DN is responsible for the occurrence of 30-47% of the incident cases of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide. 

Signaling Pathways:

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are metabolic consequence of hyperglycemia and are main contributory factor in the DN pathogenesis through mediating establishment of oxidative status and chronic inflammatory milieu. 

Induction of diabetic nephropathy:

Experimental DN model is induced in rats by single intraperitoneal (I.P.) injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (45 mg/kg). STZ is a glucosamine–nitrosourea compound derived from Streptomyces achromogenes, used clinically as a chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of pancreatic β cell carcinoma. STZ damages pancreatic β cells, resulting in hypoinsulinemia and hyperglycemia.