Proteinuria and the expression of the podocyte slit diaphragm protein, nephrin, in diabetic nephropathy: Effects of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition

Abstract

Aims/hypothesis. Proteinuria, reflecting increased glomerular permeability to macromolecules is a characteristic feature of diabetic nephropathy. Nephrin, a 1241-residue transmembrane protein is a key component of the podocyte slit pore membrane and a major contributor of the glomerular filtration barrier. We investigated the expression of nephrin in human kidney tissue from patients with diabetic nephropathy to elucidate its relationship with proteinuria and the effects of anti-proteinuric therapy with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition. Methods. Renal biopsies were examined from 14 patients with Type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus and proteinuria who had been randomised..