Diabetic Nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy is a major causes of end stage renal disease in developed countries. There is evidence to support the role of genetic as well as environmental factors in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy.

The research examines the regulatory machinery of candidate genes involved in dealing with cellular stress caused by excess glucose as well as lipids. We have a large cohort of individuals with clinically well-characterised diabetes (type one) and underlying proteinuria or, who have remained free of microvascular complications after a long duration of diabetes.

Our work has shown that the response of key genes that are involved in metabolising excess energy intake, may be modified in diabetic nephropathy. This modified response may be due to a genetic component or caused the long term exposure to the diabetic environment. Identification of these factors will help in the treatment of individuals in the earliest stages of the disease.