Current Strategies and Potential Prospects for Nanoparticle-Mediated Treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy

Abstract

Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a severe microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), is the most common form of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and a leading cause of renal failure in end-stage renal disease. No currently available treatment can achieve complete cure. Traditional treatments have many limitations, such as painful subcutaneous insulin injections, nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity with oral medication, and poor patient compliance with continual medication intake. Given the known drawbacks, recent research has suggested that nanoparticle-based drug delivery platforms as therapeutics may provide a promising strategy for treating debilitating diseases such as DN in the future. This administration method provides multiple advantages, such as delivering the loaded drug to the precise target of action and enabling early prevention of CKD progression. This article discusses the development of the main currently used nanoplatforms, such as liposomes, polymeric NPs, and inorganic NPs, as well as the prospects and drawbacks of nanoplatform application in the treatment of CKD.

Emerging trends in nano-based antidiabetic therapeutics: a path to effective diabetes management

“…Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is responsible for a substantial incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), necessitating transplantation or dialysis for a considerable number of patients. 137,138 The development of DN is closely linked to uncontrolled diabetes, particularly when blood glucose levels remain consistently high. 138 Although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, several factors contribute to its onset.…”

“…137,138 The development of DN is closely linked to uncontrolled diabetes, particularly when blood glucose levels remain consistently high. 138 Although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, several factors contribute to its onset. Key among them is persistently elevated blood sugar levels, which adversely affect the tiny blood vessels within kidneys.…”

“…Current treatment strategies primarily focus on blood glucose control, blood pressure management, and the use of certain medications to slow disease progression. [137][138][139] However, these approaches may have limitations and may not fully halt the progression of DN.…”

“…The controlled release of the drug significantly reduced proteinuria, oxidative stress, and renal fibrosis compared to conventional therapy. 137,138 A study by Chen et al exhibited emulsification of perfluorocarbon (PFC) NPs utilizing surfactant, safflower oil, glycerin, water, and perfluorooctyl bromide. From this, a final NP comprising of a core of PFC, which is encapsulated with lipid monomer, was achieved.…”

Silica-coated LiYF4:Yb3+, Tm3+ upconverting nanoparticles are non-toxic and activate minor stress responses in mammalian cells

“…22 Several cell types located in the kidney have emerged as targets for nanomedicine. 23,24 Kidneys non-specically accumulate NPs, 25 which makes them especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of nanomaterials. Peritubular capillaries provide the route to kidney tubules.…”