Diabetes-induced podocyte apoptosis is considered to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). We proposed that hyperglycaemia can induce podocyte apoptosis by inhibiting the action of podocyte survival factors, thus inactivating the cellular effects of insulin signalling. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of linagliptin on high glucose-induced podocyte apoptosis. Linagliptin reduced the increase in DNA fragmentation as well as the increase in TUNEL-positive cells in podocytes induced by high-glucose condition. Furthermore, linagliptin improved insulin-induced phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) and Akt, which was inhibited in high-glucose conditions. Adenoviral vector-mediated IRS1 overexpression in podocytes partially normalised DNA fragmentation in high-glucose conditions, while downregulation of IRS1 expression using small interfering RNA increased DNA fragmentation even in low-glucose conditions. Because reactive oxygen species inhibit glomerular insulin signalling in diabetes and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway is one of the most important intrinsic antioxidative systems, we evaluated whether linagliptin increased Nrf2 in podocytes. Highglucose condition and linagliptin addition increased Nrf2 levels compared to low-glucose conditions. In summary, linagliptin offers protection against DKD by enhancing IRS1/Akt insulin signalling in podocytes and partially via the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway. Our findings suggest that linagliptin may induce protective effects in patients with DKD, and increasing IRS1 levels could be a potential therapeutic target in DKD.Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) 1 . Insulin/insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS1) signalling can increase nitric oxide (NO) production, which is mediated by the PI3K/Akt pathway, thereby increasing anti-inflammatory effects 2 . NO induces vasodilatation and inhibits podocyte apoptosis 3 . Diabetes can inhibit insulin/IRS1 signalling in mesangial and glomerular endothelial cells, probably through the protein kinase C (PKC) β2 pathway 2 .Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A can activate the anti-apoptotic proteins survivin or Bcl-2, thus decreasing endothelial cell apoptosis 4 . Insulin enhances VEGF-A expression, which in turn leads to increased Akt and eNOS phosphorylation, thus protecting against renal cell apoptosis. Furthermore, in our previous study, diabetes could increase podocyte apoptosis in DKD via activation of PKCδ/p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAPK) to enhance Src homology-2 domain containing phosphatase-1 (SHP-1) expression, which in turn resulted in VEGF resistance 5 . Thus, it is likely that the loss of effect of insulin on glomeruli may contribute to the development of DKD.Incretins are the family of gut hormones including glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide. Our recent study indicate...