How inflammation dictates diabetic peripheral neuropathy: An enlightening review

Abstract

Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) constitutes a debilitating complication associated with diabetes. Although, the past decade has seen rapid developments in understanding the complex etiology of DPN, there are no approved therapies that can halt the development of DPN, or target the damaged nerve. Therefore, clarifying the pathogenesis of DPN and finding effective treatment are the crucial issues for the clinical management of DPN. Aims: This review is aiming to summary the current knowledge on the pathogenesis of DPN, especially the mechanism and application of inflammatory response. Methods: We systematically summarized the latest studies on the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies of diabetic neuropathy in PubMed. Results: In this seminal review, the underappreciated role of immune activation in the progression of DPN is scrutinized. Novel insights into the inflammatory regulatory mechanisms of DPN have been unearthed, illuminating potential therapeutic strategies of notable clinical significance. Additionally, a nuanced examination of DPN's complex etiology, including aberrations in glycemic control and insulin signaling pathways, is presented. Crucially, an emphasis has been placed on translating these novel understandings into tangible clinical interventions to ameliorate patient outcomes. Conclusions: This review is distinguished by synthesizing cutting-edge mechanisms linking inflammation to DPN and identifying innovative, inflammation-targeted therapeutic approaches.