Inflammatory cells, mainly macrophages, are present in the glomeruli and interstitiumof patients with the DN, suggesting that the inflammatory process is also involvedin the development of DN.16,17 Heparanase activity has been reported inmacrophages, platelets, neutrophils, monocytes, Langerhans cells, and manyother cells.18-23 It is assumed that secreted ormembrane-associated heparanase is responsible for the degradation of ECM. This evidence concerns the gene HPSE and liver dysplastic nodule.