CCN2 and Myocardial fibrosis: These observations corresponded with characteristic cardiac structural changes typically observed in diabetic cardiomyopathy, including an increase in myocardial fibrosis, as highlighted by an increase in LV interstitial collagen deposition (Figure 2A), and an increase in the mRNA expression of pro-fibrotic growth factor, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF; Figure 2A).