[Pathophysiology of diabetic nephropathy: a literature review].

Chronic kidney disease is a common complication of diabetes. Its importance lies in its high prevalence and future projection. It is associated with high health costs and global cardiovascular deterioration as well. The development of this disease pathophysiology is being studied and it is known that a series of complex molecular pathways determining a microvascular disease are involved. This review addresses the known pathways in the development of diabetic nephropathy aiming to improve the understanding of potential therapeutic targets that could be developed in the future.