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Updated: Jul 6, 2025

Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Whole Kidney, Medulla, and Cortical Tubules in Diabetic Pathogenesis of Kidney Injury in Mice
10:37

Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Whole Kidney, Medulla, and Cortical Tubules in Diabetic Pathogenesis of Kidney Injury in Mice

Published on: May 2, 2025

160

Macrophage polarization and signaling in diabetic kidney disease: a catalyst for disease progression

Natalie Youssef1,2, Mohamed H Noureldein1,2, Mansour E Riachi1,2

  • 1Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.

American Journal of Physiology. Renal Physiology
|December 28, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Macrophages are key immune cells in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Understanding their polarization into M1 or M2 types may reveal new treatments for this diabetes complication.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Nephrology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a major diabetes complication affecting millions globally.
  • Macrophages are critical immune cells implicated in DKD development and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively review the role of macrophages in DKD pathogenesis.
  • To explore macrophage polarization into M1 and M2 phenotypes within the kidney.
  • To examine signaling pathways, clinical studies, and therapeutic potential related to macrophages in DKD.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on macrophages in DKD.
  • Analysis of signaling pathways regulating macrophage recruitment and polarization.
  • Evaluation of clinical studies and potential therapeutic interventions, including hypoglycemic drugs.

Main Results:

  • Macrophages exhibit distinct M1 (proinflammatory) and M2 (anti-inflammatory) polarization states in DKD.
  • Specific cytokines and transcription factors drive M1/M2 polarization in renal macrophages.
  • Hypoglycemic drugs show potential for modulating macrophage polarization in DKD.

Conclusions:

  • Macrophages play a complex, multifaceted role in the pathogenesis of DKD.
  • Targeting macrophage polarization presents a promising therapeutic strategy for DKD.
  • Further research into macrophage mechanisms can lead to novel treatments for diabetic complications.
Keywords:
diabetesdiabetic kidney diseaseinflammationmacrophagespolarization

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