Figure 1.

KLK (kallikrein-related peptidase) 8 expression is significantly increased in diabetic myocardium. A, The mRNA levels of KLK family members in the hearts after 12 and 24 weeks of diabetes. B-E, Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining (B) and quantification (C) showed increased level of KLK8 in both cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells and masson's trichrome staining (D) and quantification (E) showed increased collagen deposition in both interstitial and perivascular regions in the hearts after 24 weeks of diabetes as compared to control group (scale bar = 50 µm). F, Immunoblots of KLK8 in the hearts after 12 and 24 weeks of diabetes. Data are expressed as means ± SEM (n = 8). *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001, ****p < 0.0001.