β-Casomorphin-7 attenuates the development of nephropathy in type I diabetes via inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition of renal tubular epithelial cells

► β-Casomorphin-7 amelioration a deterioration of the renal function in diabetic rats that is independent of a hyperglycemic effect. ► β-Casomorphin-7 treatment can reduce renal tubular fibrosis of diabetic rats. ► The protective efforts of β-casomorphin-7 on diabetic nephropathy may be associated, in part, with inhibiting the EMT of renal tubular epithelial cells.