Research progress on the mechanism of endothelial cells injury in diabetic nephropathy / 解放军医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the diabetic microvascular complications characterized by progressive protein uria and renal failure, which may eventually develop into end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Glomerular endothelial cells are one of the important components of glomerular filtration barrier. The structural and functional integrity of these cells are closely related to the maintenance of glomerular filtration function. Dysfunction of glomerular endothelial cells can lead to proteinuria, glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis, further damaging renal function and accelerating the progression of DN. The mechanisms leading to endothelial dysfunction include glucose metabolism disorder, oxidative stress, abnormal angiogenesis, inflammation and endothelial transdifferentiation. In recent years, it has been proposed that mechanisms such as intercellular communication, epigenetics and exosomes may be involved in the injury of diabetic nephropathy. In present paper, the research progress of related mechanisms was reviewed on the damage of glomerular endothelial cells in DN.