[Research advances in podocyte injury and its role in diabetic nephropathy].
Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most common microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus. With an increasing prevalence, its proportion in end-stage renal diseases is ascending. Research on the mechanism of diabetic nephropathy was initially focused on the mesangial matrix and glomerular basement membrane. In recent years, changes in the structure and functions of glomerular filtration barriers, especially podocyte injury, has became new hotspots. Podocyte injury involves the decreases in the density and amount of podocytes, the hypertrophy and degeneration of podocytes, and foot-process effacement, along with changes in some specific protein structure and functions. It is the result of multiple factors and multiple pathways. This articles summarizes the common features of podocyte injury and its role in the development of diabetic nephropathy.
Department of Nephrology, PUMC Hospital, CAMS and PUMC, Beijing 100730, China.
Jin-hong
JH
Li
Jian-ling
JL
Tao
Hang
H
Li
D003928:Diabetic Nephropathies / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D050199:Podocytes / Q000473:pathology*