Poor lysosomal membrane integrity in proximal tubule cells of haptoglobin 2-2 genotype mice with diabetes mellitus

► Renal proximal tubule cell (PTC) lysosomes of Hp 2-2 DM mice have iron deposits. ► Renal PTC lysosomal membranes of Hp 2-2 DM mice are oxidized. ► PTC lysosomal membrane integrity of Hp 2-2 DM mice is compromised. ► Vitamin E stabilizes PTC lysosomal membrane integrity in Hp 2-2 DM mice. ► Iron-induced injury may explain increased nephropathy in Hp 2-2 DM humans.