Immunohistochemical detection in mouse kidney tissues showed a significant increase in positive staining for TNF-α, TGF-β1, and α-SMA proteins in the glomeruli of mice in the DKD, Metrnl-/-, and Metrnl+/+ groups compared to that in the NC + NS group (P < 0.05). Here, ACTA1 is linked to diabetic kidney disease.