Recalibrating cell fate: targeting the mitochondrial signaling hub with natural active compounds to inhibit regulated cell death in diabetic kidney disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. The progression of DKD is closely related to various cell death (RCD) pathways such as apoptosis, pyroptosis and ferroptosis. Although historically viewed as distinct events, we propose that mitochondria function as the central hub integrating hyperglycemic, lipotoxic, and pro-inflammatory insults. We delineate how initial hyperglycemic and hemodynamic insults compromise mitochondrial quality control, triggering a vicious cycle: dysfunctional mitochondria release ROS and damage-associated molecular patterns to initiate regulated cell death and inflammation, which in turn further impairs mitochondrial bioenergetics, thereby amplifying diabetic kidney injury. Mechanistically, mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization triggers intrinsic apoptosis, while the cytosolic leakage of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) primes the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome to drive pyroptosis. In parallel, organelle-level metabolic and redox instabilities fuel the lipid peroxidation characteristic of ferroptosis. We highlight the sophisticated crosstalk within this network, such as the Caspase-3/Gasdermin E switch, arguing that these pathways function as a network of molecular crosstalk and functional interdependence with distinct spatiotemporal dynamics, rather than a singular execution program. Regarding therapeutic interventions, we summarize preclinical evidence for natural active compounds like berberine and quercetin. These phytochemicals act as network-level modulators of mitochondrial targets to restore cellular homeostasis. Finally, we critically address the “translational gap” posed by poor oral bioavailability and lack of human target validation. We also explore emerging biophysical concepts, such as liquid-liquid phase separation, as a speculative yet novel frontier for organizing pathological metabolic signals. Therefore, disrupting this mitochondrial feedback loop, when coupled with advanced delivery strategies, represents a strategic therapeutic avenue to arrest DKD progression.