Objective:To explore the possible molecular mechanism of abnormal renal lipid metabolism in OLETF rats, and the effects of fenofibrate or metformin on renal local lipid metabolism. Methods: OLETF rats were randomly divided into three groups:one treated with fenofibrate, one with metformin and one without treatment. LETO rats were used as age-matched normal controls. The animals were sacrificed and the kidneys were obtained respectively at the age of 17 and 30 weeks. 24-hour urine albumin contents and TG contents in renal cortex were measured. The levels of SREBP-1 protein and mRNA in kidney were measured. FAS mRNA and ACC mRNA expressions were measured with RT-PCR. Results:OLETF rats showed characters of obesity, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia. At the end of thirty weeks clinical characters of renal damage appeared in OLETF rats, OLETF rats showed higher levels of 24-hour urine albumin contents than those of LETO rats. 24-hour urine albumin contents were correlated positively with TG contents in kidney. The partial correlation coefficient was 0. 870(P = 0.011) by controlling for body weight, serum lipid, blood glucose and fasting insulin concentration. OLETF rats showed higher levels of SREBP-1 protein (43. 2% , P