iTRAQ plasma proteomics analysis for candidate biomarkers of type 2 incipient diabetic nephropathy

BACKGROUND: Diabetic nephropathy is the most frequent cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. Identification of biomarkers for diabetic nephropathy for early diagnosis may be the key to avoiding damage from this condition. METHODS: Proteomic iTRAQ technology was first used to identify differentially expressed plasma proteins in type 2 incipient diabetic nephropathy (IDN) using a Q-Exactive mass spectrometer. RESULTS: Compared with controls, 57 proteins (32 upregulated and 25 downregulated proteins) were identified. Furthermore, the gelsolin, collectin-11, PTPRJ, and AKAP-7 proteins were confirmed by Western blots as candidate biomarkers for type 2 IDN through ROC analysis. CONCLUSIONS: These findings offer a theoretical basis for the early treatment of diabetic nephropathy.