To validate this hypothesis, we assessed the deposition of Bb, CFB, C3a, C5a, and C5b-9 in the kidneys of patients with DN and the difference in disease phenotypes between Cfb-knockout (Cfb–/–) diabetic mice and WT diabetic mice induced by streptozotocin (STZ) and high-fat diet (HFD). Here, CFB is linked to liver dysplastic nodule.