Background. Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is involved in the development of diabetic nephropathy. MBL is a part of the innate\r\nimmune system where it can activate the complement system. Serum MBL level predicts later renal impairment in diabetes\r\npatients. Direct involvement of MBL in the development of diabetic kidney disease is observed in one animal strain. However,\r\nthis involvement may differ among the animal strains. We thus examined the impact of the genetic background on the role of\r\nMBL in diabetic nephropathy. Materials/Methods. C57BL/6JBomTac and 129S6/SvEvTac mice were compared. In both strains,\r\nexperimental type 1 diabetes was induced in wild-type (WT) and MBL-knockout (MBL-KO) mice by streptozotocin. Nondiabetic\r\nWT and MBL-KO mice were used as controls. We tested if MBL modified the diabetes-induced kidney changes by two-way\r\nANOVA allowing for interaction. Results. MBL aggravated diabetes-induced kidney growth and glomerulus enlargement in\r\nC57BL/6JBomTac mice. MBL did not modify diabetes effects on glomerular basement membrane thickness or mesangial volume\r\nin any strain. Diabetes-induced changes in renal gene transcription of growth factors and matrix components were unaffected\r\nby MBL. Conclusions. Strain-specific MBL effects were found on downstream diabetic kidney changes. This emphasizes the\r\nimportance of genetic background in this model of diabetic complications.
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