Abstract:The classic role of vitamin D is to regulate the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus.In the past,it was mainly used to prevent or alleviate bone disease.However,more and more evidences show that vitamin D has more new applications.Among them,the protective effect of vitamin D in diabetic nephropathy has attracted much attention.Related animal studies have confirmed that vitamin D can reduce oxidative stress and accumulation of glycation products caused by hyperglycemia,inhibit the overactivation of renin-angiotensin system and reduce the production of inflammatory factors through multiple pathway,thus delaying the progression of diabetic nephropathy.Meanwhile,related clinical trials have documented that low vitamin D level is positively correlated with decreased proteinuria and renal function in diabetic patients.This review summarized the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy,and explored the multiple roles of vitamin D in reducing inflammation and delaying pathological changes,in order to explore more effective treatments for diabetic nephropathy.