Abstract Background and Aims ADAM17 participates in the release into circulation of inflammatory and fibrotic molecules, such as TNF-α actively involved in the progression of Diabetic Nephropathy. We studied the effect of specific deletion of ADAM17 in the endothelium and renal tubule in a T1 diabetic mouse model demonstrating its participation in the progression of kidney damage. As ADAM17 is also expressed in other cell types we wanted to study the effect of the complete deletion of Adam17 in type 1 diabetic mouse. Method We studied total inducible (by TAM) Adam17 knockout male mice (ADAM17KO) and their control littermates. Animals were rendered diabetic by STZ injection (DB group). Blood glucose, mesangial index (PAS staining), number of podocytes and positive area of α-SMA (by immunohistochemistry) were determined. We also studied the protein expression of the cytokine MCP-1 in renal cortex by Western Blot. Results The mesangial index value observed in the 20wk-DB group was compared with the diabetic ADAM17KO group. In the latter, the value significantly decreased. Podocyte loss detected in DB group was not observed in the KO-DB group. For interstitial fibrosis, the intensity and location of α-SMA was significantly lower in the ADAM17KO group. In addition, complete deletion of Adam17 partly prevented the infiltration of macrophages assessed by the expression of MCP-1 in the protein extract of the renal cortex. Conclusion Complete inhibition of Adam17 expression in T1DM mice prevents fibrosis progression and protects the glomerulus from hypertrophy. At the same time, it reduces macrophage infiltration, limiting the inflammatory response induced by diabetes. We demonstrate the influence of Adam17 on macrophages to reduce the expression of TNF-a partly responsible for the progression of diabetic nephropathy.
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