Recent Advances and Future Directions in the Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies Targeting the Complement System in Diabetic Nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common and life-threatening complication in diabetic patients, with a complex pathogenesis. Increasing evidence indicates that the complement system plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of DN. Accordingly, this review highlights the altered expression and deposition of complement components in DN patients and assesses their potential as diagnostic biomarkers. Furthermore, the mechanisms driving complement pathway activation and the complement-mediated mechanisms of renal injury are both explored. Additionally, we summarize the existing phenotypes of complement inhibitors utilized in both preclinical and clinical studies, emphasizing their potential value in DN treatment. The in-depth analysis of the relationship between the complement system and diabetic nephropathy in this review will provide new insights for the prevention and treatment of diabetic nephropathy.