In summary, our investigation elucidated a prospective renoprotective mechanism, whereby Act suppressed the AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway and reduced podocyte apoptosis in db/db mice, resulted in decreased proteinuria (Fig. 6), indicating that Act might be a potential renoprotective agent by alleviating DKD progression. The gene discussed is AKT1; the disease is diabetic kidney disease.