High mobility group box 1 in diabetic nephropathy

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a complex disorder caused by the combined effects of genetic inheritance and environmental factors. The abnormal secretion of albumin via urine is the characteristic feature of a diabetic nephropathy (DN) patient. Moreover, the detection of this observable characteristic feature of DN is quite late. As a result the time, at which DN is observable, large extent of kidney damage has already occurred. Thus, this late observation significantly decreases the chances of efficient management of DN and associated outcomes. The current biomarker used to detect DN is microalbuminuria, the presence of albumin in the urine. However, the current biomarkers often lead to false negative results. The high mobility group box (HMGB)1 is an upcoming molecule being explored for its application in the management of DN. The present review enlightens the current status of HMGB1 in DN.