Abstract: AIM: To evaluate the protective effects of mycophenolate mofetil on the kidneys of type 2 diabetic rats and discover their mechanisms.METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into three groups, such as normal control rats, diabetic rats, and diabetic rats in the treatment with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF, 15 mg·kg^-1·d^-1). Thirteen weeks later, urinary albumin excretory rate (UAE), creatine clearance (Ccr), blood glucose, blood insulin and blood lipid were measured, and kidney pathology was observed. Inmmunohistochemistry was used to analyze the expression of CTGF, ColI and Col Ⅲ.RESULTS: Mycophenolate mofetil decreased UAE, Ccr and reduced glomerular volume. The expression of CTGF and deposition of ECM decreased after diabetic rats received mycophenolate mofetil.CONCLUSION: Mycophenolate mofetil can protect the kidney of diabetic rats. Its mechanism may be related to the decrease of CTGF expression and extracellular matrix deposition in renal tissue.

Key words: mycophenolate mofetil, diabetic nephropathy, extracellular matrix, connective tissue growth factor