ALB and liver dysplastic nodule: To examine the therapeutic potential of PGRN in DN, rPGRN was administrated to STZ-induced diabetic mice by intraperitoneal injection twice per week beginning at 6 weeks following STZ injection (Fig. 8a), rPGRN administration for 6 weeks significantly ameliorated renal injury as evidenced by reduced the levels of urinary albumin excretion (Fig. 8b), decreased mesangial expansion (Fig. 8c, d), and ameliorated podocyte injury (Fig. 8e) in DN mice, as well as decreased apoptosis in glomeruli (Fig. 8f).