Improving cell energy cleanup as a new treatment approach for diabetic kidney disease

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key event in the progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD).

• Diabetic kidney disease is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease among individuals with diabetes.
• Mitochondrial dysfunction occurs before noticeable kidney damage, such as proteinuria.
• Processes contributing to mitochondrial dysfunction in diabetic kidneys include excessive reactive oxygen species production and impaired mitophagy.
• Emerging drugs targeting mitochondrial dysfunction have shown positive effects in animal experiments and clinical trials.
• The review discusses the role of mitochondrial quality control and therapeutic potential of emerging drugs, while highlighting limitations in current preclinical evidence.

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