IL-15 preserved mitochondrial fusion under high-glucose conditions by increasing OPA1 expression (p < 0.05) and promoted OPA1 transcription via histone H3 acetylation at its promoter (p < 0.05).<h4>Conclusions</h4>Skeletal muscle-derived IL-15 mediates renal protection by maintaining mitochondrial fusion in podocytes during DN progression. This evidence concerns the gene OPA1 and liver dysplastic nodule.