Stem cell research & therapyNov 11, 2025

How stem cells may help treat kidney damage from diabetes

Regenerative Health Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗OA ↗

Updated Jan 7, 2026

Abstract

(MSCs) may inhibit inflammation, fibrosis, and oxidative stress in (DKD).

MSCs could improve kidney function by addressing multiple complications associated with DKD.
The paracrine effects of MSCs are linked to their therapeutic potential in treating DKD.
Strategies such as preconditioning and genetic engineering may enhance the efficacy of MSCs.
Clinical trials have been conducted to assess the safety and effectiveness of MSC transplantation in DKD patients.

Simplified

(DKD) is a serious microvascular complication of diabetes, with symptoms of progressive kidney dysfunction, proteinuria, and fibrosis, ultimately causing end-stage renal disease. (MSCs) represent a promising therapeutic approach for DKD, primarily through their paracrine effects. In this review, we concluded the mechanism of MSCs in treating DKD, including the inhibition of inflammation, fibrosis, oxidative stress, and modulate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Additionally, we discuss strategies to enhance MSC efficacy, such as preconditioning, genetic engineering, and combination therapies with pharmacological agents. Furthermore, we provide an overview of completed clinical trials assessing the effectiveness and safety of MSCs transplantation in DKD patients. The purpose of this review is to highlight the MSCs' potential as an innovative treatment for DKD and to guide future research toward optimizing their therapeutic applications, ultimately improving DKD patients' quality of life.

Key numbers

300×10⁶

Improvement in eGFR

Dose of administered in clinical trials showed potential renal benefits.

16 of 30

Participants in clinical trials

Number of participants in a notable clinical trial assessing MSC efficacy.

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Funding

Competing interests

Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: Not applicable. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

PubMed