A brief study of Nox 4 inhibitors in diabetic nephropathy

The purpose of the study was to find the merits and demerits of NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox 4) inhibitors. Nox inhibitors are tested from natural sources like green tea, plumbagin, Chinese formulas like Baoshenfang, Cudrania tricuspidata, Huangqi decoction and synthetic dual Nox inhibitors. Some of them activate and regulate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Some chunk the high glucose activated alleyway, dawdling the succession of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Overall, the benefits of NOX are: reducing oxidative damage, improving renal function, reducing podocyte injury, preventing interstitial fibrosis, regulating AMPK which inhibits reactive oxygen species (ROS) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), decreasing inflammation due to high glucose, protecting mesangial cells, decreasing collagen synthesis, and reducing glomerular hypertrophy. While targeting NOX in renal impairment, off-target effects, especially cardiovascular effects, are one of the major hurdles since diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with co-morbid cardiovascular problems.