Altered expression of transforming growth factor- �1 gene in a group of patients with diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a chronic kidney disease that arises in individuals with diabetes, characterized by persistent albuminuria and reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR). It often progresses unnoticed, leading to significant renal impairment. Early detection through tests like the albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) is crucial for managing and potentially slowing disease progression. Diabetic nephropathy is a chronic kidney disease characterized by increased urinary albumin excretion and reduced eGFR in diabetic patients. This study aims to explore the role of TGF-β1 gene expression in nephropathy progression and its correlation with albuminuria severity. This study utilized a case-control design to explore the relationship between Transforming Growth Factor-β1 (TGF-β1) expression and ACR in diabetic patients with a minimum 10-year disease duration. Data were collected from the National Center for Diabetes Treatment and Research and private clinics in Baghdad, adhering to ethical standards and obtaining informed consent from participants. The study involved 150 participants divided into three groups based on albuminuria status: no albuminuria (mean age 55), microalbuminuria (mean age 67.3), and macroalbuminuria (mean age 72). Key findings included significant differences in age, HbA1c levels, and gene expression across groups, with no notable differences in BMI. The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed a significant correlation between ACR and gene expression (Spearman's rho = 0.4), indicating a moderate positive relationship. Overall, the results highlight the impact of albuminuria on various health parameters in the studied population. This study highlights significant differences in demographic and biochemical parameters across groups categorized by albuminuria levels. Notably, age and HbA1c levels increased with albuminuria severity, reflecting potential implications for patient management and treatment strategies.