This review is intended to present the latest information on the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy based on the studies of recent years,involving potential therapeutic targets of diabetic nephropathy,such as hemodynamic dysfunctions,advanced glycation end-product,lipid metabolism disorders,inflammatory cytokines,and oxidative stress. Further studies are mandatory to investigate the effect of various interventions that modulate the pathogenesis in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.