NFKB1 and endothelial dysfunction: The AGE-RAGE pathway, particularly relevant in diabetic nephropathy, accelerates CKD progression through the accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which activate NF-κB signaling, increase oxidative stress, and induce endothelial dysfunction and podocyte injury, resulting in inflammation and fibrosis, promoting proteinuria and renal function decline [35].