Cross linkage between oxidative stresses in diabetic nephropathy: An updated review

Abstract

Diabetic nephropathy is a micro vascular complication of diabetes mellitus. The treatment of diabetes and its complications require identification of various factors involved in the pathogenesis and development of diabetic nephropathy. The last stage in chronic kidney disease known as end stage renal failure (ESRD) or various other kidney diseases are found to be caused by diabetic nephropathy (DN) and the instances of death due to ESRD are increasing at a very high rate. DN is marked by elevation in levels of blood sugar accompanied with elevated oxidative stress. Oxidant species or reactive oxygen species (ROS) are the key players in the development of DN. These ROS are generated as macromolecules or by defects in certain pathways in kidneys. The enzyme protein kinase C is initially activated by increase in the amount of oxidant species which leads to over expression of genes of extracellular matrix, development of fibrosis and eventually ESRD. A better understanding towards the role of oxidative stress in diabetic nephropathy and its various sources has led to the establishment of experimental studies on various new therapeutic agents for reducing oxidative stress. This review article describes various sources of ROS and their significant role in the pathogenesis of DN. � 2020 Plant Archives. All rights reserved.