An examination of the protective effects and molecular mechanisms of curcumin, a polyphenol curcuminoid in diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease and is an enormous burden on both patients and society. There is an urgent need for effective alternative therapeutic strategies for the treatment of DN, as medical treatment is currently limited. The anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, anti-apoptotic, and anti-fibrosis properties of curcumin, a polyphenol curcuminoid, have been demonstrated in research on diabetic nephropathy. The clinical and preclinical trials and mechanisms by which curcumin affects DN have been discussed in this review. A deeper understanding of the pharmacological effects of curcumin on diabetic nephropathy may provide new therapies to improve the development and occurrence of diabetic nephropathy.