Mitochondria: A novel therapeutic target in diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is an important diabetic microvascular complication, and it is becoming the leading cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. Unfortunately, there are no effective therapies to treat established DN. Therefore, new therapeutic targets are urgently required. Accumulating studies indicate that mitochondrial dysfunction is central to the pathogenesis of DN, such as elevated oxidative stress induced by disorders of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex and mitochondrial dynamic disorders. Recent advances in the molecular mechanisms involved in mutation of mitochondrial DNA, mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial fusion/fission, mitochondrial ROS overproduction, mitophagy, and their pathophysiological roles will result in further elucidation of DN. This review aims to summarize the current research on the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in DN, while also offering potential novel therapeutic targets for DN.