To explore whether Zn deficiency increases diabetes-induced damage, and if so, what is the potential mechanisms, human renal tubular HK11 cells were used to model the in vivo renal fibrotic effect and investigate the direct effect of Zn deficiency and supplement on HG/Pal-induced fibrotic effects, expression of PAI-1 and CTGF. This evidence concerns the gene SERPINE1 and diabetes mellitus.