In addition, KPF effectively promoted the expression of LC3II in podocytes, with an increased expression of Beclin-1, Atg5, Atg7 and a decreased expression of p62 in the kidneys of db/db mice, suggesting that the KPF could prevent DN via regulating podocyte autophagy, which has not been reported by previous studies. This evidence concerns the gene ATG7 and liver dysplastic nodule.