Effects of eicosapentaenoic acid on the early stage of type 2 diabetic nephropathy in KKAy/Ta mice: involvement of anti-inflammation and antioxidative stress

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) has been reported to have beneficial effects on the progression of various renal diseases including diabetic nephropathy; however, the precise mechanisms are not completely understood. We examined the effects of EPA on the early stage of type 2 diabetic nephropathy in KKAy/Ta mice and the possible role of inflammation, oxidative stress, and growth factor in this process. KKAy/Ta mice were divided into 2 groups. The treatment group was injected with EPA ethyl ester at 1 g/kg per day intraperitoneally from 12 to 20 weeks of age and the control group was injected with saline. Renal morphologic examinations were performed after 8 we