Edited and Reviewed by: Berthold Hocher, Heidelberg University, Germany
*Correspondence: Haiyong Chen,
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Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, which can lead to severe complications if not properly managed. Among these complications, diabetic nephropathy (DN) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) are two common and serious complications that significantly impact the quality of life for those with diabetes. Non-diabetic nephropathy (non-DN), on the other hand, refers to kidney damage that occurs in individuals without diabetes. This topic aims to explore the intricate association between DN and both DR and non-DN.
DN is a leading cause of end-stage kidney disease worldwide, occurring when high blood glucose levels damages the blood vessels and tissues in the kidney. DR is a complication of diabetes that can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina leading to vision problems and possible blindness if left untreated. Both conditions are believed to share common risk factors and underlying mechanisms, while the causal relationship remains elusive until
Ferroptosis is a recently discovered type of cell death that is identified by the accumulation of lipid peroxides to deadly levels, which is dependent on iron (
In the Research Topic, several potential risk factors for the development of DN were studied using the Mendelian randomization approach.
These studies have shed light on the association between DN and DR, suggesting the shared causal relationship and common underlying mechanisms, e.g., the involvement of Klotho and ferroptosis pathways. These studies also have found the potential protective effect of coffee intake for DN, potential serum biomarkers, and fMRI in DN diagnosis. However, causal relationships between sarcopenia and DN were not confirmed in this study.
While the association between DN and DR has been extensively studied, further research is warranted to explore the connection between DN and non-DN. Understanding the association between these two conditions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management. Promisingly, fMRI has shown potential in evaluating diabetic kidney disease, aiding in early detection and treatment.
In conclusion, a better understanding of the intricate association between DN, DR, and non-DN is paramount for developing effective prevention strategies and treatment approaches. Further research, utilizing methodologies such as Mendelian randomization, will continue to provide valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for these diabetes-related complications.
HC: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing, Conceptualization. XT: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing, Conceptualization. XY: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing, Conceptualization.
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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