Effects of antidiabetic drugs on NLRP3 inflammasome activity, with a focus on diabetic kidneys

Inflammatory responses have a pivotal role in the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). The nod-like receptor family, pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a newly recognized and potent inflammatory mediator that induces inflammatory responses in several disorders, including DN. The suppression of procytokine release and inflammatory response is integral to the prevention of complications arising from the inflammatory process. In this review, we discuss the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the pathogenesis of DN, focusing on its effects on interleukin (IL)-1 beta and IL-18. Furthermore, we review the potential anti-inflammatory effects of antidiabetic drugs used in routine clinical practice, such as insulin, biguanides, Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. In addition, we discuss whether these drugs can also modulate NLRP3 inflammasome activity in renal tissues.