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Updated: May 11, 2026
Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Whole Kidney, Medulla, and Cortical Tubules in Diabetic Pathogenesis of Kidney Injury in Mice
Published on: May 2, 2025
Altered dynamics in the renal lymphatic circulation of type 1 and type 2 diabetic mice
Takanobu Uchiyama1, Shunsuke Takata, Hiroyuki Ishikawa
1Department of Oral Growth & Development, Fukuoka Dental College 2-15-1 Tamura, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka 814-0193, Japan.
Abstract:
The dynamics of the renal lymphatic circulation in diabetic nephropathy is not fully elucidated. The present study evaluated the effect of diabetic nephropathy on the renal lymphatic circulation in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic mice (ICR-STZ) and in type 2 diabetic KK/Ta mice which were fed a high fat diet (KK/Ta-HF). The diabetic mouse kidneys developed edema because of the nephropathy. In control mice renal lymphatic vessels distributed in the cortex but rarely in the medulla while in ICR-STZ and KK/Ta-HF mice, there were many lymphatic vessels with small lumen in both cortex and medulla. Total numbers and areas of renal blood vessels in the diabetic mice were similar to those in the controls while the total numbers and areas of renal lymphatic vessels were larger in diabetic mice than in the controls. There were statistically significant differences in the numbers of lymphatic vessels with diameters of 50-100 µm between the ICR-STZ and the control ICR mice, and in the numbers of lymphatic capillaries with diameters smaller than 50 µm between the KK/Ta-HF and the control KK/Ta mice. The diabetic nephropathy may induce the lymphangiogenesis or result in at least the renal lymphatic vessel expansion.
Insights
Diabetic nephropathy alters kidney lymphatic vessels, increasing their number and size in both type 1 and type 2 diabetic mouse models. This suggests diabetic kidney disease may promote lymphangiogenesis or lymphatic vessel expansion.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Vascular Biology
- Diabetology
Background:
- Diabetic nephropathy's impact on renal lymphatic circulation remains unclear.
- Kidney edema is a common complication of diabetic nephropathy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of diabetic nephropathy on renal lymphatic vessel dynamics.
- To compare lymphatic changes in type 1 and type 2 diabetic mouse models.
Main Methods:
- Utilized streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic mice (ICR-STZ).
- Employed high-fat diet-induced type 2 diabetic KK/Ta mice (KK/Ta-HF).
- Analyzed renal lymphatic vessel distribution, number, and size in diabetic and control mice.
Main Results:
- Diabetic mouse kidneys exhibited edema and increased renal lymphatic vessels in both cortex and medulla.
- Total renal lymphatic vessel numbers and areas were significantly larger in diabetic mice compared to controls.
- Specific differences observed in lymphatic vessel diameters between diabetic and control groups.
Conclusions:
- Diabetic nephropathy is associated with significant alterations in renal lymphatic circulation.
- Findings suggest diabetic kidney disease may induce lymphangiogenesis or lymphatic vessel expansion.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for managing diabetic nephropathy complications.
