Mitochondrial dysfunction in obesity-related kidney disease: a novel therapeutic target

Lipid accumulation in renal cells has been implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity-related kidney disease, but the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Szeto et al. now unravel a central role of mitochondrial dysfunction in a high fat diet-induced glomerulopathy and proximal tubular injury. Moreover, they demonstrate the renoprotective effect of SS31, a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant, in related models. Targeting mitochondria may offer a novel strategy for the therapy of obesity-related kidney disease.