Objective To evaluate the effect of
genistein on phenotype of raesangial cell and extracellular matrix of diabetic mellitus
(DM) rats. Methods The STZ-induced SD rats were divided into two groups:DM + Gen group receiving
genistein intragastric admistration for 4 and 8 weeks and DM group without genistein administration for 4 and 8 weeks as well. Fast blood glucose (FBG), BUN, Scr, SMemb mRNA, fibronetin (Fn)/kidney weight and MMP-2/TIMP-1
deposition were measured. Results As compared to control group, FBG, BUN ,Scr,Fn/kidney weight were all higher, especially at week 8 (P < 0.01);the immunohistochenistry semi-quantitative deposition of MMP-2/TIMP-1 decreased (P<0.01);the semi-quantitative ratio of SMemb mRNA/ GAPDH mRNA increased, peaked at week 4 and decreased at week 8 (0.794±0.037 vs 0.708±0.029)in DM group. Compared with the same time of DM group, genistein could ameh'orate renal function partly, decrease SMemb mRNA/GAPDH mRNA ratio significantly (P<0.01); reduce Fn/kidney weight (P<0.01), and increase the deposition of MMP-2/TIMP-1 (P<0.01 or < 0.05). Conclusions Genistein can down-regulate the expression of SMemb in renal cortex of STZ-induced DM rats, increase the deposition of MMP-2/TIMP-1, ameliorate renal disfunction of DM rats, thus, it may delay the progression of diabetic nephropathy.