1. The mechanism of inflammation on the expression and function of renal Oat3 in diabetic kidney disease is not known. We hypothesized that inflammation induced by hyperglycemia might inhibit the expression of renal transporters. The first objective of this study is to investigate the effects of statins on the mechanisms of inflammation affecting renal Oat3 expression and function in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
2. The effects of diabetes on the expression and function of cardiac Oatp have not been investigated. We hypothesize that Oatp function in the cardiac tissue will be impaired in diabetic condition. The second objective is to determine the function and expression of cardiac Oatp in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
3. We hypothesize that impaired insulin signaling affects the expression and function of cardiac Oatp. The third objective of this study is to determine the effects of statins on the mechanisms of impaired insulin signaling on cardiac Oatp function and expression in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.