As podocyte loss by apoptosis or detachment is an early feature of DN,9, 17, 19 and knockdown of PDK1 increased apoptosis in podocytes, we analyzed whether PDK1 expression is reduced in the glomeruli of insulin-resistant obese Zucker rats.20 Zucker rats show increased podocyte apoptosis at 21 weeks of age when compared with lean controls,21 and develop proteinuria by 40 weeks.22 The expression level of PDK1 was lower in the glomeruli of obese rats at 12 (Figures 4a and b) and 40 weeks (Figures 4d and e) compared with lean controls. Here, INS is linked to liver dysplastic nodule.