Effect of all-trans retinoic acid on the excretion of urine TGF β₁ and glomerular lesion of diabetic rat

Objective: To investigate the effect of all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) on the urinary TGFβ₁ excretion and glomerular lesion of diabetic rats at early stage. Methods: SD rats were randomly assigned into 3 groups: atRA treated group, diabetic control group and normal control group. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced early diabetic male SD rat were used. The atRA treated group were treated with daily subcutaneous injections atRA of 10 mg/kg for 7 days (n = 6), and then the excretion of urinary protein and TGFβ₁ and NO level of plasma, urine and renal tissue were measured, and pathological changes of their kidneys were observed. Results: The diabetic control rats showed increased urinary excretion of protein and TGFβ₁ and NO level of plasma, urine and renal tissue and deposit of glomerular matrix, while atRA prevented these changes. Conclusion: AtRA can prevent the development of diabetic nephropathy, which is relevant with the inhibition of secretion of TGFβ₁ and NO.