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Review
. 2025 Apr;17(4):e70068.
doi: 10.1111/1753-0407.70068.

Gut Microbiota and Their Metabolites: The Hidden Driver of Diabetic Nephropathy? Unveiling Gut Microbe's Role in DN

Jinzhou Liu  1 , Min Guo  1 , Xiaobin Yuan  2 , Xiao Fan  2 , Jin Wang  1 , Xiangying Jiao  1
Affiliations
Review

Gut Microbiota and Their Metabolites: The Hidden Driver of Diabetic Nephropathy? Unveiling Gut Microbe's Role in DN

Jinzhou Liu et al. J Diabetes. 2025 Apr.

Abstract

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a severe microvascular complication of diabetes with a complex pathogenesis.

Methods: Recent studies were reviewed to explore the role of gut microbiota and its metabolites in DN development.

Results: Dysbiosis of gut bacteria contributes to pathological changes such as glomerular sclerosis and renal tubule injury. Microbial metabolites are involved in DN through immune and inflammatory pathways.

Conclusions: Understanding the relationship between gut microbiota, its metabolites, and DN may offer potential implications for DN diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Translating this knowledge into clinical practice presents challenges and opportunities.

Keywords: diabetic nephropathy; gut microbiota; gut–kidney axis; microbial metabolites; novel biomarkers.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Visualization of keyword networks by using VOSviewer.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Association of gut microbiota to influence DN development.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Current status of gut microbiota therapy for DN.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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