Moreover, IHC data (Fig. 7D) displayed elevated levels of Collagen II and Aggrecan, in addition to reduced levels of MMP13 and ADAMTS5 in NP tissues of STZ-induced T1DM rats injected with oe-BMP7, whereas these effects were reversed by further injection with 4’MR. This evidence concerns the gene ACAN and type 1 diabetes mellitus.