CD36-Mediated Lipid Accumulation and Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasome Lead to Podocyte Injury in Obesity-Related Glomerulopathy

Figure 10

Schematic model depicting a possible mechanism that contributes to CD36-mediated podocyte injury of ORG. In the pathogenesis of ORG, after stimulation of adipocytokine such as leptin, the expression of CD36 increased, which is responsible for the FFA uptake in podocytes. Increased CD36 promotes lipid droplet formation in podocytes and further activates NLRP3 inflammasome; the cells release the mature form of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, which causes the injury of podocytes. FFAs: free fatty acids.