Estradiol did not cause podocyte apoptosis preceding glomerulosclerosis, which was shown in the estrogen receptor (ER)-knockout mouse model [119], reduced albuminuria, TF progression and glomerulosclerosis by suppressing the activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in diabetic nephropathy [123,124]. This evidence concerns the gene MMP2 and glomerulosclerosis.