Fig 1: Telmisartan decreased expression of NPHS2, a-SMA and cell apoptosis in diabetic glomeruli. (A) NPHS2 staining, (B) a-SMA staining, and (C) TUNEL staining were used to observed podocyte loss, mesangial matrix expansion and cell apoptosis in glomeruli of early diabetic rats. Data represent the mean ± SD and were analysed with one-way ANOVA (**p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001 vs. Con group; ##p < 0.01, ###p < 0.001 vs. DM group). Scale bar = 20 µm. Con, control; DM, diabetes mellitus; DM + Tel, diabetes mellitus with telmisartan treatment.