SMAD2 and liver dysplastic nodule: Our data clearly indicated that the increased protein expressions of p-Akt (Ser473), p-mTOR (Ser2448), p-p70S6K (Thr389), p-4EBP1 (Thr37/46), TGF-β1 and p-Smad2 in the kidneys were obviously revealed in the DN model rats, in the meantime, concomitant with the appearance of glomerular pathological changes including glomerular hypertrophy, GBM thickening and mild mesangial expansion.