Diabetic kidney disease and aging: Focus on gut microbiota

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is closely linked to aging, with gut microbiota imbalance recognized as a key factor, making it a growing research focus. Studies have shown that gut dysbiosis in DKD patients is characterized by a reduction in beneficial bacteria and an overgrowth of opportunistic pathogens, leading to gut barrier disruption, systemic low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, and accelerated fibrosis. The decrease in short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) impairs epigenetic regulation, driving the overexpression of fibrosis-related genes. Aging itself also alters the composition of the gut microbiota, further exacerbating metabolic disorders and inflammation, thereby creating a vicious cycle. This article aims to explore the potential roles and mechanisms of gut microbiota in the shared pathogenesis of DKD and aging, providing a theoretical foundation for the development of novel therapeutic interventions.