The results showed the expressions of Nrf-2, HO-1, and Bcl-2 to be significantly decreased in aortic tissue, and the expressions of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax were markedly increased in aortic tissue of rats in the T2DM group compared to the control group (p <0.01). The gene discussed is HMOX1; the disease is type 2 diabetes mellitus.