Tumor necrosis factor-α gene expression in diabetic nephropathy: Relationship with urinary albumin excretion and effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition

DN was associated with increased renal expression of TNF-α and UAE. Enalapril administration prevented this enhanced expression of TNF-α and decreased urinary cytokine excretion and albuminuria. These data provide a novel insight into the pathogenic mechanisms of DN, and support the hypothesis that inflammatory mechanisms may play a significant role in the development and progression of renal injury secondary to diabetes mellitus.