Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Diabetic Nephrology: Regulation, Pathological Role, and Therapeutic Potential
Lihua Ni, Yuan Cheng, Xiaoyan Wu
Abstract
Recent progress has been made in understanding the roles and mechanisms of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the development and pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Hyperglycemia induces ER stress and apoptosis in renal cells. The induction of ER stress can be cytoprotective or cytotoxic. Experimental treatment of animals with ER stress inhibitors alleviated renal damage. Considering these findings, the normalization of ER stress by pharmacological agents is a promising approach to prevent or arrest DN progression. The current article reviews the mechanisms, roles, and therapeutic aspects of these findings.
Topics & Concepts
Endoplasmic reticulumUnfolded protein responseDiabetic nephropathyMedicinePathogenesisApoptosisPathologicalNephrologyPharmacologyEndocrinologyInternal medicineBioinformaticsKidneyCancer researchCell biologyBiologyBiochemistryEndoplasmic Reticulum Stress and DiseasePancreatic function and diabetesBiomedical Research and Pathophysiology