In addition, several compounds, such as icariin, eucommia lignans, β-caryophyllene and ampelopsin, can decrease HG-induced oxidative stress in MCs by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, hence slowing the course of experimental diabetic nephropathy and further emphasizing the importance of Nrf2 in the treatment of DKD 164-167. Here, HMOX1 is linked to diabetic kidney disease.