Role of arginase II in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy

Diabetes is responsible for more than 40% of all cases of end stage kidney disease and failure. The progression of kidney dysfunction towards failure is difficult to prevent with current therapies. Diabetes increases the activity of an enzyme - arginase - that has been associated with several complications of type 1 diabetes. However, the role of arginase activity in diabetic kidney damage is completely unknown. We have found growing evidence that diabetes elevates the level of arginase II which causes abnormal growth and fibrosis in the kidney, leading to its failure. Limiting the actions of this enzyme offers much promise in reducing orpreventing this dangerous kidney problem.