Role of Nox2 in diabetic kidney disease

Abstract

NADPH oxidase (Nox) isoforms have been implicated in contributing to diabetic microvascular complications, but the functional role of individual isoforms in diabetic kidney are unclear. Nox2, in particular, is highly expressed in phagocytes and may play a key inflammatory role in diabetic kidney disease. To determine the role of Nox2, we evaluated kidney function and pathology in wild-type (WT; C57BL/6) and Nox2 knockout (KO) mice with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes was induced in male Nox2 KO and WT mice with a multiple low-dose streptozotocin protocol. Groups were studied for kidney disease after 8 and 20 wk of diabetes. Hyperglycemia and body weights were similar in WT and Nox2 KO diabetic mic..