TGFβ protein expression in the DM group was significantly downregulated compared to the control group (0.43 ± 0.16 vs 1.0 ± 0.36, P = 0.0282) and DMES group (0.43 ± 0.16 vs 1.0 ± 0.19, P = 0.0276), while no significant difference in TGFβ protein expression was found between the control and DMES group (Figs. 7F and 7H; original band: Fig. S2). This evidence concerns the gene TGFB1 and diabetes mellitus.