Punicalagin Alleviates Diabetic Kidney Injury: Potential Involvement of SESN2-Related Mitophagy and Changes in Pyroptosis-/Ferroptosis-Related Indicators

Background/Objectives: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a progressive nephropathy associated with excessive pyroptosis and ferroptosis. Impaired renal mitophagy has been implicated in inflammation and lipid peroxidation in DKD; however, it remains unclear whether and how it modulates pyroptosis and ferroptosis. Punicalagin (PU), a natural polyphenol with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, has been shown to improve DKD, yet its underlying mechanism requires further elucidation. This study aimed to investigate whether PU alleviates pyroptosis- and ferroptosis-related indicators in diabetes-associated renal injury in association with SESN2-related mitophagy, using both in vivo and in vitro models.