Figure 1

Mechanisms of action of vasohibin (VASH)-1 in diabetic nephropathy. (A) Mechanisms involved in the progression of diabetic nephropathy. (B) Exogenous VASH-1 suppresses renal alterations in the experimental mouse type 1 diabetes model through anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects and also through protecting podocytes. VASH-1 suppresses excessive activation of VEGF-A signaling on glomerular endothelial cells, and also exerts direct effects on mesangial cells and podocytes in diabetic environments [30]. AGE = advanced glycation end-product; Ang-II = angiotensin-II; ESRD = end stage renal disease; GBM = glomerular basement membrane; MM = mesangial matrix; PKC = protein kinase C; TGF-β = transforming growth factor-β.