Detection of Renal Tubular Proteins: An Indication of Tubulo- interstitial Nephrosis in Diabetic patients on Insulin

Background: Diabetic nephropathy in patients on insulin is characterized by glucose-induced inhibition of matrix-degrading enzymes is believed to contribute the matrix accumulation. Study Design: Study tried to find out the renal tubular proteins that may detect earlier phase of renal complication in diabetes. Material and Methods: 42 female patients and 27 male patients using insulin (18-20 units) age range 40-60 yrs with longstanding diabetes, were included in the study. The patients were taken from the medical ward/ out door department of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital between Feb 2006 and Feb 2007. The electrophoretic patterns of 24 hr urinary proteins in diabetic patients were examined on 10 % SDS gradient polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. 24 hr urinary protein of patients was estimated. Results: Electrophoretic profile showed a condition of proteinurea (both high molecular weight and low molecular weight). It is observed that proteins with molecular weight ranges 120-28 Kda was appeared in urine samples of patients. While in normal subjects the range of the urinary protein is from 37-72 Kda. Among these the common proteins observed in patients and control urine sample was of protein of molecular weight 27 (alpha 1 microglobulin) and 42 Kda (acid glycoprotein). A significantly increased raw volume (concentration) and density of these 2 proteins was observed in urine sample of patients. Conclusion: The technique of electrophorisis may be able to exclude or detect tubulo-interstitial nephropathies in earlier phases of renal complications, such as in diabetes mellitus.