Mizagliflozin ameliorates diabetes induced kidney injury by inhibitor inhibit inflammation and oxidative stress

BACKGROUND Mizagliflozin(MIZ)is a specific inhibitor of sodium-glucose cotransport protein 1(SGLT1)originally developed as a medication for diabetes.AIM To explore the impact of MIZ on diabetic nephropathy(DN).METHODS Diabetic mice were created using db/db mice.They were administered either a low dose(0.5 mg/kg)or a high dose(1.0 mg/kg)of the SGLT1 inhibitor MIZ via stomach gavage for 8 weeks.Subsequently,mesangial cells(MCs)were isolated and subjected to high glucose conditions in culture to assess the effects of MIZ on DN.RESULTS The results showed that low doses of MIZ significantly reduced albuminuria to a level comparable to that achieved with high doses in db/db mice.High doses of MIZ led to a substantial increase in body weight in mice,along with decreased blood glucose levels and food intake.Moreover,the intervention with high-dose MIZ notably decreased the expression of extracellular matrix genes,such as collagen type 1 alpha 1 mRNA levels.While the expression of SGLT1 increased after exposure to high glucose,it decreased following treatment with MIZ.Furthermore,MIZ intervention was more effective in improving lactate dehydrogenase levels in MCs induced by high glucose compared to canagliflozin.MIZ also significantly elevated levels of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase,catalase,and glutathione,while reducing malondialdehyde levels.CONCLUSION These findings indicate that MIZ can ameliorate DN by inhibiting SGLT1,inflammation,and oxidative stress.

Clinical study of different prediction models in predicting diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND Among older adults,type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is widely recognized as one of the most prevalent diseases.Diabetic nephropathy(DN)is a frequent com-plication of DM,mainly characterized by renal microvascular damage.Early detection,aggressive prevention,and cure of DN are key to improving prognosis.Establishing a diagnostic and predictive model for DN is crucial in auxiliary diagnosis.AIM To investigate the factors that impact T2DM complicated with DN and utilize this information to develop a predictive model.METHODS The clinical data of 210 patients diagnosed with T2DM and admitted to the First People’s Hospital of Wenling between August 2019 and August 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.According to whether the patients had DN,they were divided into the DN group(complicated with DN)and the non-DN group(without DN).Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore factors affecting DN in patients with T2DM.The data were randomly split into a training set(n=147)and a test set(n=63)in a 7:3 ratio using a random function.The training set was used to construct the nomogram,decision tree,and random forest models,and the test set was used to evaluate the prediction performance of the model by comparing the sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,recall,precision,and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.RESULTS Among the 210 patients with T2DM,74(35.34%)had DN.The validation dataset showed that the accuracies of the nomogram,decision tree,and random forest models in predicting DN in patients with T2DM were 0.746,0.714,and 0.730,respectively.The sensitivities were 0.710,0.710,and 0.806,respectively;the specificities were 0.844,0.875,and 0.844,respectively;the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)of the patients were 0.811,0.735,and 0.850,respectively.The Delong test results revealed that the AUC values of the decision tree model were lower than those of the random forest and nomogram models(P<0.05),whereas the difference in AUC values of the random forest and column-line graph models was not statistically significant(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Among the three prediction models,random forest performs best and can help identify patients with T2DM at high risk of DN.

Jianpi Gushen Huayu decoction ameliorated diabetic nephropathy through modulating metabolites in kidney,and inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 and JNK/P38 pathways

BACKGROUND Jianpi Gushen Huayu Decoction(JPGS)has been used to clinically treat diabetic nephropathy(DN)for many years.However,the protective mechanism of JPGS in treating DN remains unclear.AIM To evaluate the therapeutic effects and the possible mechanism of JPGS on DN.METHODS We first evaluated the therapeutic potential of JPGS on a DN mouse model.We then investigated the effect of JPGS on the renal metabolite levels of DN mice using non-targeted metabolomics.Furthermore,we examined the effects of JPGS on c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)/P38-mediated apoptosis and the inflammatory responses mediated by toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3).RESULTS The ameliorative effects of JPGS on DN mice included the alleviation of renal injury and the control of inflammation and oxidative stress.Untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed that JPGS altered the metabolites of the kidneys in DN mice.A total of 51 differential metabolites were screened.Pathway analysis results indicated that nine pathways significantly changed between the control and model groups,while six pathways significantly altered between the model and JPGS groups.Pathways related to cysteine and methionine metabolism;alanine,tryptophan metabolism;aspartate and glutamate metabolism;and riboflavin metabolism were identified as the key pathways through which JPGS affects DN.Further experimental validation showed that JPGS treatment reduced the expression of TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathways and JNK/P38 pathway-mediated apoptosis related factors.CONCLUSION JPGS could markedly treat mice with streptozotocin(STZ)-induced DN,which is possibly related to the regulation of several metabolic pathways found in kidneys.Furthermore,JPGS could improve kidney inflammatory responses and ameliorate kidney injuries in DN mice via the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway and inhibit JNK/P38 pathwaymediated apoptosis in DN mice.

Agmatine ameliorates diabetes type 2-induced nephropathy in rats

Objective:To assess the nephroprotective potential of agmatine in a rat model of streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy.Methods:A single dose of streptozotocin(40 mg/kg)coupled with a fructose diet induced diabetes in Wistar rats.Agmatine(40 and 80 mg/kg)was administered to rats for 12 weeks.The body weight and fasting blood glucose were measured weekly.Insulin level,urine output,total protein,albumin,blood urea nitrogen,creatinine,and cystatin-C were also determined at the end of the experiment.Furthermore,superoxide dismutase,glutathione,interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were evaluated in kidney tissue.Histopathological study was also performed using hematoxylin and eosin staining.Results:Agmatine at both doses significantly increased final body weight,and lowered fasting blood glucose,urine output,insulin,total protein,albumin,blood urea nitrogen,creatinine,and cystatin-C levels compared with the diabetic group(P<0.05).Inflammatory markers and antioxidant effect were significantly improved in agmatine-treated rats.Moreover,the histopathological changes in renal structure were ameliorated by agmatine treatment.Conclusions:Agmatine alleviates diabetic nephropathy by improving renal functions and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.The molecular mechanisms of its nephroprotective actions need to be investigated in future study.

Tiliroside protects against diabetic nephropathy in streptozotocininduced diabetes rats by attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation

BACKGROUND Diabetic nephropathy(DN),affecting half of diabetic patients and contributing significantly to end-stage kidney disease,poses a substantial medical challenge requiring dialysis or transplantation.The nuanced onset and clinical progression of kidney disease in diabetes involve consistent renal function decline and persistent albuminuria.AIM To investigate Tiliroside's(Til)protective effect against diabetic nephropathy(DN)in rats under diabetic conditions.METHODS Five groups of six rats each were included in this study:Rats treated with DMSO by intraperitoneal injection as controls,those treated with STZ by intraperitoneal injection,those treated with STZ+Til(25 mg/kg body weight[bwt])or Til(50 mg/kg bwt),and those treated with anti-diabetic medication glibenclamide(600μg/kg bwt).Biochemical markers,fasting blood glucose,food intake,kidney weight,antioxidant enzymes,inflammatory and fibrotic markers,and renal injury were monitored in different groups.Molecular docking analysis was performed to identify the interactions between Til and its targeted biomarkers.RESULTS Til significantly reduced biochemical markers,fasting blood glucose,food intake,and kidney weight and elevated antioxidant enzymes in diabetic rats.It also mitigated inflammatory and fibrotic markers,lessened renal injury,and displayed inhibitory potential against crucial markers associated with DN as demonstrated by molecular docking analysis.CONCLUSION These findings suggest Til's potential as a therapeutic agent for DN treatment,highlighting its promise for future drug development.

Glucokinase regulatory protein rs780094 polymorphism is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and nephropathy

In this editorial,we comment on the article by Liu et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Diabetes(Relationship between GCKR gene rs780094 polymorphism and type 2 diabetes with albuminuria).Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is a chronic disorder characterized by dysregulated glucose homeostasis.The persistent elevated blood glucose level in T2DM significantly increases the risk of developing severe complications,including cardiovascular disease,re-tinopathy,neuropathy,and nephropathy.T2DM arises from a complex interplay between genetic,epigenetic,and environmental factors.Global genomic studies have identified numerous genetic variations associated with an increased risk of T2DM.Specifically,variations within the glucokinase regulatory protein(GCKR)gene have been linked to heightened susceptibility to T2DM and its associated complications.The clinical trial by Liu et al further elucidates the role of the GCKR rs780094 polymorphism in T2DM and nephropathy development.Their findings demonstrate that individuals carrying the CT or TT genotype at the GCKR rs780094 locus are at a higher risk of developing T2DM with albuminuria compared to those with the CC genotype.These findings highlight the importance of genetic testing and risk assessment in T2DM to develop effective preventive strategies and personalized treatment plans.

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin,kidney injury molecule-1,and periostin:Novel urinary biomarkers in diabetic nephropathy

BACKGROUND Globally,diabetic nephropathy(DN)is the primary cause of chronic kidney disease.Currently,renal function is monitored indirectly using measures of serum creatinine,estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR),and proteinuria.Novel urinary biomarkers utilized in the early stages of DN have been described;these indicators can be used in the early identification of the disease,which is important for initiating treatment to halt or impediment the advance of diabetic nephropathy.AIM To estimate neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin(NGAL),kidney injury molecule-1(KIM-1),and periostin(POSTN)levels as novel urinary biomarkers in DN.METHODS In this hospital based cross-sectional study,a total of 160 patients of both genders aged 18 years or more;40 healthy participants and 120 patients with diabetes mellitus(DM)were included.Patients with DM were divided into normoalbuminuria(n=40),microalbuminuria(n=40),and macroalbuminuria(n=40)groups as per urine albumin creatinine ratio(uACR).Blood urea,serum creatinine,uACR were measured.Urine NGAL,KIM-1,and POSTN were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.The eGFR was calculated and compared with urinary markers.RESULTS NGAL,KIM-1,and POSTN levels increased significantly in normo,micro,and macroalbuminuria with the highest in the macroalbuminuria group.Albumin creatinine ratio(ACR)showed a positive correlation with NGAL,KIM-1,and POSTN levels.The eGFR showed a weak negative correlation with ACR,NGAL,KIM-1,and POSTN.NGAL was significantly lower in stage 1 compared to stage 2,3,and 4 kidney disease.KIM-1 was significantly decreased in stage 1 compared to stage 4 kidney disease.POSTN was significantly decreased in stage 1 compared to stage 3 and 4 kidney disease.The receiver operator curve analysis of ACR,NGAL,KIM-1,and POSTN showed good sensitivity of 80%,75.8%,63.3%,and 80%respectively with a cut-off of 12.5 mg/g,4.5μg/L,1.5 ng/mL,and 37.5 ng/mL.CONCLUSION Urinary NGAL and POSTN are independent markers of DN.

Correlation between plasma endostatin and risk of diabetic nephropathy (DN) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and its predictive value

Objective:To explore the plasma endothelium inhibition and type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with Diabetic Nephropathy the correlation between risk and its predictive value.Methods:From January 2015 to January 2017, 202 cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients diagnosed and treated in our hospital were selected and divided into observation group and control group according to DN occurrence during follow-up, general data and blood biochemical indexes before treatment were compared between the two groups, Logistic regression was used to analyze independent risk factors of DN, and ROC curve was used to evaluate the predictive effectiveness of different indicators on DN occurrence.Results: A total of 35 developed DN In this study. The mean arterial pressure, HbA1c, UACR and endostatin in observation group were significantly higher than control group, GFR in observation group was significantly lower than control group, multivariate Logistic regression showed that GFR was an independent protective factor for DN, and HbA1c, UACR and endostatin were independent risk factors for DN, The best cut-off point for endostatin prediction of DN occurrence was 43.29 ng/mL, and the AUC was 0.890, significantly better than GFR, HbA1c and UACR, the sensitivity was 85.71%, significantly better than other indicators.Conclusions: Endostatin was significantly associated with DN risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and had good predictive efficacy.

The role of innate immunity in diabetic nephropathy and their therapeutic consequences

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is an enduring condition that leads to inflammation and affects a substantial number of individuals with diabetes worldwide. A gradual reduction in glomerular filtration and emergence of proteins in the urine are typical aspects of DN, ultimately resulting in renal failure. Mounting evidence suggests that immunological and inflammatory factors are crucial for the development of DN. Therefore, the activation of innate immunity by resident renal and immune cells is critical for initiating and perpetuating inflammation. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are an important group of receptors that identify patterns and activate immune responses and inflammation. Meanwhile, inflammatory responses in the liver, pancreatic islets, and kidneys involve inflammasomes and chemokines that generate pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, the activation of the complement cascade can be triggered by glycated proteins. This review highlights recent findings elucidating how the innate immune system contributes to tissue fibrosis and organ dysfunction, ultimately leading to renal failure. This review also discusses innovative approaches that can be utilized to modulate the innate immune responses in DN for therapeutic purposes.

Myricetin induces M2 macrophage polarization to alleviate renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy via PI3K/Akt pathway

BACKGROUND Development of end-stage renal disease is predominantly attributed to diabetic nephropathy(DN).Previous studies have indicated that myricetin possesses the potential to mitigate the pathological alterations observed in renal tissue.Never-theless,the precise molecular mechanism through which myricetin influences the progression of DN remains uncertain.AIM To investigate the effects of myricetin on DN and explore its potential therapeutic mechanism.METHODS Db/db mice were administered myricetin intragastrically on a daily basis at doses of 50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg for a duration of 12 wk.Subsequently,blood and urine indexes were assessed,along with examination of renal tissue pathology.Kidney morphology and fibrosis were evaluated using various staining techniques including hematoxylin and eosin,periodic acid–Schiff,Masson’s trichrome,and Sirius-red.Additionally,high-glucose culturing was conducted on the RAW 264.7 cell line,treated with 25 mM myricetin or co-administered with the PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002 for a period of 24 h.In both in vivo and in vitro settings,quantification of inflammation factor levels was conducted using western blotting,real-time qPCR and ELISA.RESULTS In db/db mice,administration of myricetin led to a mitigating effect on DN-induced renal dysfunction and fibrosis.Notably,we observed a significant reduction in expressions of the kidney injury markers kidney injury molecule-1 and neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin,along with a decrease in expressions of inflammatory cytokine-related factors.Furthermore,myricetin treatment effectively inhibited the up-regulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha,interleukin-6,and interluekin-1βinduced by high glucose in RAW 264.7 cells.Additionally,myricetin modulated the M1-type polarization of the RAW 264.7 cells.Molecular docking and bioinformatic analyses revealed Akt as the target of myricetin.The protective effect of myricetin was nullified upon blocking the polarization of RAW 264.7 via inhibition of PI3K/Akt activation using LY294002.CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that myricetin effectively mitigates kidney injury in DN mice through the regulation of macrophage polarization via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Acute worsening of microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus during rapid glycemic control:The pathobiology and therapeutic implications

While chronic hyperglycaemia resulting from poorly controlled diabetes mellitus(DM)is a well-known precursor to complications such as diabetic retinopathy,neuropathy(including autonomic neuropathy),and nephropathy,a paradoxical intensification of these complications can rarely occur with aggressive glycemic management resulting in a rapid reduction of glycated haemoglobin.Although,acute onset or worsening of retinopathy and treatment induced neuropathy of diabetes are more common among these complications,rarely other problems such as albuminuria,diabetic kidney disease,Charcot’s neuroarthropathy,gastroparesis,and urinary bladder dysfunction are also encountered.The World Journal of Diabetes recently published a rare case of all these complications,occurring in a young type 1 diabetic female intensely managed during pregnancy,as a case report by Huret et al.It is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the pathobiology,prevalence,predisposing factors,and management strategies for acute onset,or worsening of microvascular complications when rapid glycemic control is achieved,which serves to alleviate patient morbidity,enhance disease management compliance,and possibly to avoid medico-legal issues around this rare clinical problem.This editorial delves into the dynamics surrounding the acute exacerbation of microvascular complications in poorly controlled DM during rapid glycaemic control.

Diabetic nephropathy:Is it time yet for routine kidney biopsy?

Diabetic nephropathy(DN)is one of the most important long-term complications of diabetes.Patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease have an increased risk of all-cause mortality,cardiovascular mortality,and kidney failure.The clinical diagnosis of DN depends on the detection of microalbuminuria.This usually occurs after the first five years from the onset of diabetes,and predictors of DN development and progression are being studied but are not yet implemented into clinical practice.Diagnostic tests are useful tools to recognize onset,progression and response to therapeutic interventions.Microalbuminuria is an indicator of DN,and it is considered the only noninvasive marker of early onset.However,up to now there is no diagnostic tool that can predict which patients will develop DN before any damage is present.Pathological renal injury is hard to predict only with clinical and laboratory findings.An accurate estimate of damage in DN can only be achieved by the histological analysis of tissue samples.At the present time,renal biopsy is indicated on patients with diabetes under the suspicion of the presence of nephropathies other than DN.Results from renal biopsies in patients with diabetes had made possible the classification of renal biopsies in three major groups associated with different prognostic features:diabetic nephropathy,non-diabetic renal disease(NDRD),and a superimposed non-diabetic condition on underlying diabetic nephropathy.In patients with type 2 diabetes with a higher degree of suspicion for NDRD,it is granted the need of a renal biopsy.It is important to identify and differentiate these pathologies at an early stage in order to prevent progression and potential complications.Therefore,a more extensive use of biopsy is advisable.

WJD 5^(th) Anniversary Special Issues(2): Type 2 diabetes Inflammation in diabetic kidney disease

Diabetes mellitus entails significant health problems worldwide.The pathogenesis of diabetes is multifactorial,resulting from interactions of both genetic and environmental factors that trigger a complex network of pathophysiological events,with metabolic and hemodynamic alterations.In this context,inflammation has emerged as a key pathophysiology mechanism.New pathogenic pathways will provide targets for prevention or future treatments.This review will focus on the implications of inflammation in diabetes mellitus,with special attention to inflammatory cytokines.

Epigenetic profiles of pre-diabetes transitioning to type 2 diabetes and nephropathy

AIM: To examine DNA methylation profiles in a longitudinal comparison of pre-diabetes mellitus(Pre-DM) subjects who transitioned to type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).METHODS: We performed DNA methylation study in bisulphite converted DNA from Pre-DM(n = 11) at baseline and at their transition to T2 DM using Illumina Infinium Human Methylation27 Bead Chip, that enables the query of 27578 individual cytosines at Cp G loci throughout the genome, which are focused on the promoter regions of 14495 genes.RESULTS: There were 694 Cp G sites hypomethylated and 174 Cp G sites hypermethylated in progression from Pre-DM to T2 DM, representing putative genes involved in glucose and fructose metabolism, inflammation, oxidative and mitochondrial stress, and fatty acid metabolism. These results suggest that this high throughput platform is able to identify hundreds of prospective Cp G sites associated with diverse genes that may reflect differences in Pre-DM compared with T2 DM. In addition, there were Cp G hypomethylation changes associated with a number of genes that may be associated with development of complications of diabetes, such as nephropathy. These hypomethylation changes were observed in all of the subjects.CONCLUSION: These data suggest that some epigenomic changes that may be involved in the progression of diabetes and/or the development of complications may be apparent at the Pre-DM state or during the transition to diabetes. Hypomethylation of a number of genes related to kidney function may be an early marker for developing diabetic nephropathy.

Association of Interleukin-6-174G/C Polymorphism with the Risk of Diabetic Nephropathy in Type 2 Diabetes:A Meta-analysis

Previous studies reported the association between interleukin-6(IL-6)-174G/C gene polymorphism and the risk of diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DN).However,the results remain controversial.In the present study,we conducted a meta-analysis to further examine this relationship between IL-6-174G/C gene polymorphism and T2DN.Three databases(PubMed,SinoMed and ISI Web of Science)were used to search clinical case-control studies about IL-6-174G/C polymorphism and T2DN published until Apr.14,2018.Fixed-or random-effects n lodels were used to calculate the effect sizes of odds ratio(OR)and 95%confide nee intervals(95%CI).Moreover,subgroup analysis was performed in tenns of the excretion rate of albuminuria.All the statistical analyses were con ducted using Stata 12.0.A total of 11 case-control studies were included in this study,involving 1203 cases of T2DN and 1571 cases of T2DM without DN.Metaanalysis showed that there was an association between IL-6-174G/C polymorphism and increased risk of T2DN under the allelic and recessive genetic models(G vs.C:OR=1.10,95%CI 1.03-1」&P=0.006;GG vs.CC+GC:OR=1.11,95%CI 1.02-1.21,P=0.016).In the subgroup analysis by albuminuria,a significant association of IL-6-174G/C polymorphism with risk of T2DN was noted in the microalbuminuria group under the recessive model(OR=1.54,95%CI 1.02-2.32,P=0.038).In conclusion,this meta-analysis suggests that IL-6-174G/C gene polymorphism is associated with the risk of T2DN.

Alleviating effects and mechanisms of action of large-leaf yellow tea drinking on diabetes and diabetic nephropathy in mice

Our previous study found that large-leaf yellow tea(LYT)had interesting hypoglycemic activity in high-fat diet-induced obese mice and highly safety in healthy mice. To study the anti-diabetic potential of LYT, the present study further investigated the preventive effects and mechanisms of action of LYT administration on diabetes and diabetic nephropathy in high-fat diet plus streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Results showed that LYT infusions(1/100 and 1/50, m/V)as drinking fluid for 4 weeks reduced diabetic polydipsia and polyuria, enhanced glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, and lowered fasting blood glucose level. The underlying mechanisms involve downregulation of gluconeogenesis(lower protein levels of TXNIP and FBP and enzyme activity of FBP), upregulation of lipid catabolism(higher protein levels of CPT-1α and PPARα), downregulation of lipogenesis(lower protein level of SREBP-1), and modification of the structure and abundance of gut microbiota to modulate metabolic homeostasis. Moreover, LYT administration prevented diabetic nephropathy, possibly due to reduced glucose-caused osmotic diuresis and lowered levels of renal PKC-β2, NLRP3 as well as membrane PKC-α, AQP2 and glycosylated AQP2 proteins. Taken together, LYT exhibits the activities in alleviating diabetic symptoms, ameliorating glucose and lipid dysmetabolism and fatty liver, and preventing diabetic nephropathy in diabetic mice. These activities may be explored for the prevention and treatment of diabetes in humans.

Risk evaluation for diabetic retinopathy in Chinese renalbiopsied type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

AIM:To investigate diabetic retinopathy(DR)prevalence in Chinese renal-biopsied type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)patients with kidney dysfunction,and to further evaluate its relationship with diabetic nephropathy(DN)incidence and the risk factors for DR development in this population.METHODS:A total of 84 renal-biopsied T2DM patients were included.Fundus and imaging examinations were employed for DR diagnosis.Demographic information and clinical measures along with renal histopathology were analyzed for comparisons between the DR and non-DR groups.Risk factors on DR development were analyzed with multiple logistic regression.RESULTS:DR prevalence was 50%in total.The incidences of DN,non-diabetic renal disease(NDRD)and mixed-type pathology were 47.6%,19.0%and 33.3%in the DR group respectively,while 11.9%,83.3%and 4.8%in the non-DR group.Systolic blood pressure,ratio of urinary albumin to creatine ratio,urinary albumin,24-hours urinary protein,the incidence and severity of DN histopathology were found statistically increased in the DR group.Multiple logistic regression analysis showed histopathological DN incidence significantly increased the risk of DR development[odds ratio(OR)=21.664,95%confidential interval(CI)5.588 to 83.991,P<0.001 for DN,and OR=45.475,95%CI 6.949 to 297.611,P<0.001 for mixed-type,respectively,in reference to (NDRD)],wherein DN severity positively correlated.CONCLUSION:Renal histopathological evidence indicates DN incidence and severity increases the risk of DR development in Chinese T2DM patients inexperienced of regular fundus examinations.

Natural compounds improve diabetic nephropathy by regulating the TLR4 signaling pathway

Diabetic nephropathy(DN),a severe complication of diabetes,is widely recognized as a primary contributor to end-stage renal disease.Recent studies indicate that the inflammation triggered by Tolllike receptor 4(TLR4)is of paramount importance in the onset and progression of DN.TLR4 can bind to various ligands,including exogenous ligands such as proteins and polysaccharides from bacteria or viruses,as well as endogenous ligands such as biglycan,fibrinogen,and hyaluronan.In DN,the expression or release of TLR4-related ligands is significantly elevated,resulting in excessive TLR4 activation and increased production of proinflammatory cytokines through downstream signaling pathways.This process is closely associated with the progression of DN.Natural compounds are biologically active products derived from natural sources that have advantages in the treatment of certain diseases.Various types of natural compounds,including alkaloids,flavonoids,polyphenols,terpenoids,glycosides,and polysaccharides,have demonstrated their ability to improve DN by affecting the TLR4 signaling pathway.In this review,we summarize the mechanism of action of TLR4 in DN and the natural compounds that can ameliorate DN by modulating the TLR4 signaling pathway.We specifically highlight the potential of compounds such as curcumin,paclitaxel,berberine,and ursolic acid to inhibit the TLR4 signaling pathway,which provides an important direction of research for the treatment of DN.

Intravitreal injection of conbercept for diabetic macular edema complicated with diabetic nephropathy

AIM:To observe the therapeutic effect of conbercept on diabetic macular edema(DME)complicated with diabetic nephropathy(DN).METHODS:In this retrospective study,54 patients(54 eyes)that diagnosed as DME from January 2017 to October 2021 were collected.The patients were divided into two groups:DME patients with DN(25 eyes),and DME patients without DN(29 eyes).General conditions were collected before treatment,laboratory tests include fasting blood glucose,HbA1c,microalbumin/creatinine,serum creatinine.Optical coherence tomography(OCT)was used to check the ellipsoidal zone(EZ)and external limiting membrane(ELM)integrity.Central macular thickness(CMT),best corrected visual acuity(BCVA),and retinal hyperreflective foci(HF)as well as numbers of injections were recorded.RESULTS:There were significant differences between fasting blood glucose,HbA1c,serum creatinine,urinary microalbumin/creatinine,and estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)between the two groups(all P<0.05).EZ and ELM continuity in the DME+DN group was worse than that in the DME group(P<0.05).BCVA(logMAR)in the DME group was significantly better than that in the DME+DN group at the same time points during treatment(all P<0.05).CMT and HF values were significantly higher in the DME+DN group than that in the DME group at the all time points(all P<0.05)and significantly decreased in both groups with time during treatment.At 6mo after treatment,the mean number of injections in the DME+DN and DME group was 4.84±0.94 and 3.79±0.86,respectively.CONCLUSION:Conbercept has a significant effect in short-term treatment of DME patients with or without DN,and can significantly ameliorate BCVA,CMT and the number of HF,treatment efficacy of DME patients without DN is better than that of DME patients with DN.

Inhibition of renin activity by aliskiren ameliorates diabetic nephropathy in type 1 diabetes mouse model

Renin is the rate-limiting enzyme of the reninangiotensin system (RAS). In addition to its enzymatic activity to generate angiotensin I, renin also signals through the (pro)renin receptor to exert angiotensin II-independent effects. In this study we examined the effect of renin inhibition on the development of diabetic nephropathy. Male DBA/2J mice were induced to diabetes with streptozotocin, and the diabetic mice were treated for 16 weeks with saline or aliskiren, a renin enzymatic inhibitor. Aliskiren treatment had little effects on blood glucose and blood pressure in diabetic mice. Saline-treated mice developed progressive albuminuria and glome-rulosclerosis, and aliskiren treatment effectively alleviated albumiuria and glomerulosclerosis. Morphologically aliskiren treatment prevented the thickening of the glomerular basement membrane and reduced podocyte loss. At the molecular levels, aliskiren prevented the decline of slit diaphragm proteins and blocked the synthesis of extracellular matrix and pro-fibrotic factors in the diabetic kidney. Aliskiren treatment results in compensatory renin increase in the glomeruli due to blockade of the negative feedback loop, and also partially suppressed the intracellular signaling mediated by the (pro)renin receptor activated in hyperglycemia. These observations suggest that the therapeutic activity of aliskiren to prevent diabetic renal injury is contributed by inhibition of both the angiotensin II-dependent and -independent pathways. Taken together, it is concluded that inhibition of renin enzymatic activity ameliorates diabetic renal injury in type 1 diabetes, and support the use of aliskiren in diabetes kidney disease.