Abstract: The abnormality of podocyte structure and function is an important reason for the occurrence and progression of proteinuria in diabetic nephropathy (DN). Podocytes are mainly energized by glycolysis, and mitochondrial homeostasis is vital for podocytes to perform their biological functions normally. Studies have found that podocyte insulin sensitivity decreases and mitochondrial dysfunction leads to podocyte energy utilization disorder and podocyte injury. AMPactivated protein kinase (AMPK)／silencing information regulator 1 (SIRTl)／peroxisome proliferatoractivated receptor γ (PPARγ) coactivator1 α (PGC1 α) pathway is an important regulator of podocyte energy metabolism, which maintains mitochondrial homeostasis,inhibits oxidative stress and plays a protective role in diabetic podocytes. This article will briefly introduce the protective effects of podocyte energy metabolism related regulators on DN podocytes and the therapeutic strategies related to DN.

Key words: podocyte energy metabolism regulatory factors, diabetic nephropathy, AMP-activated protein kinasesirtuin-1, peroxisome proliferatoractivated receptor coactivator-1 α