Analysis of alpha integrins for the diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy is a major cause of renal failure in the U.S. and develops in approximately 30% of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) patients. Recent studies by the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial Group have indicated that intensive insulin treatment substantially reduces the risk of developing complications, including nephropathy. However, the cost and effort of the intensive therapy, as well as the danger of hypoglycemic attacks dictate that this treatment should be limited to those patients who are prone to develop complications. It follows that an early selection of these diabetic subjects would be extremely helpful, but currently there are no adequate predictors available for clinical use. Analysis of alterations in integrin subunit expression, particularly 1 and/or 2 integrin subunit expression from integrin producing cells as compared to normal controls as a diagnostic method to identify individuals who have or are predisposed to pathologies associated with altered matrix deposition, such as diabetic renal nephropathy.