Question

Experimental model for Diabetic Kidney Disease.

Hint:

STZ-induced and genetic models of diabetes are crucial for studying diabetic kidney disease and testing potential therapeutic interventions.

Answer 1

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a common complication of diabetes and is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease. The development of experimental models of DKD allows researchers to study its pathophysiology and test therapeutic interventions.
Step 1: Experimental Models of Diabetic Kidney Disease:
1. Streptozotocin (STZ)-Induced Diabetes: The most widely used animal model for DKD is the induction of diabetes using streptozotocin (STZ), a toxin that selectively destroys pancreatic beta cells, leading to hyperglycemia and insulin deficiency.
2. Pathophysiology: STZ-induced diabetic animals develop several features of DKD, including glomerular hypertrophy, increased albuminuria, and changes in the glomerular basement membrane. These changes mimic the pathophysiological alterations seen in humans with diabetic nephropathy.
3. Genetic Models: Genetically modified animals, such as the db/db mouse (obesity and type 2 diabetes model), are also used to study DKD. These animals develop insulin resistance and kidney damage similar to human diabetic nephropathy.
Step 2: Research Applications:
1. Pathway Studies: These models are used to study the molecular mechanisms underlying diabetic kidney disease, including the role of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), inflammation, and fibrosis.
2. Drug Development: Animal models of DKD are essential for evaluating new drugs aimed at slowing the progression of diabetic nephropathy, such as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), SGLT2 inhibitors, and other renoprotective agents.