Autophagy, Pyroptosis and Ferroptosis are Rising Stars in the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Nephropathy

Abstract

Xiudan Li,1,2 Lifeng Gao,2 Xuyang Li,2 Jingdong Xia,1 Yurong Pan,1 Chunying Bai2 1Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Chifeng University, Chifeng, 024000, China; 2Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Human Genetic Disease Research, Chifeng University, Chifeng, 024000, ChinaCorrespondence: Chunying Bai, Email [email protected]: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most common microvascular complications in diabetes and can potentially develop into end-stage renal disease. Its pathogenesis is complex and not fully understood. Podocytes, glomerular endothelial cells (GECs), glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) and renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs) play important roles in the normal function of glomerulus and renal tubules, and their injury is involved in the progression of DN. Although our understanding of the mechanisms leading to DN has substantially improved, we still need to find more effective therapeutic targets. Autophagy, pyroptosis and ferroptosis are programmed cell death processes that are associated with inflammation and are closely related to a variety of diseases. Recently, a growing number of studies have reported that autophagy, pyroptosis and ferroptosis regulate the function of podocytes, GECs, GMCs and TECs. This review highlights the contributions of autophagy, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis to DN injury in these cells, offering potential therapeutic targets for DN treatment.Keywords: diabetic nephropathy, autophagy, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, inflammation

Keywords

• diabetic nephropathy
• autophagy
• pyroptosis
• ferroptosis
• inflammation