Effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, tofogliflozin, on the indices of renal tubular function in patients with type 2 diabetes

Changes in the estimated glomerular filtration rate and predictors of the renal prognosis in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: A retrospective study during the 12 months after the initiation of tofogliflozin

BACKGROUND

The changes in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and predictors of the renal prognosis were retrospectively assessed over the 12 months after the initiation of tofogliflozin, which has the shortest half-life among sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes and renal impairment.

METHODS

In total, 158 patients treated with tofogliflozin between 2019 and 2021 were studied as the safety analysis set. One hundred and thirty subjects whose medication was continued over 12 months were investigated as the full analysis set. The subjects were divided into two groups based on the eGFR: normal- (eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2, n = 87) and low- (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, n = 43) eGFR groups.

RESULTS

The body weight, blood pressure, urinary protein excretion, and serum uric acid concentration decreased from baseline in both eGFR groups while the hemoglobin level increased. The eGFR did not significantly differ over time, except for the initial dip (-4.3±9.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the normal-eGFR group and -1.5±5.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the low-eGFR group). The change in the eGFR at 12 months after the initiation of tofogliflozin was -1.9±9.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 0.2±6.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the normal- and low-eGFR group, respectively. In the normal-eGFR group, the change in the eGFR showed a significant negative correlation with the HbA1c and eGFR at baseline, according to a multiple regression analysis. In the low-eGFR group, the change in the eGFR showed a significant negative correlation with urate-lowering agent use. The frequencies of adverse events specific for SGLT2 inhibitors were not significantly different between the normal- and low-eGFR groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Tofogliflozin may preserve renal function in the medium term in patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney impairment without an increase in specific adverse events.

Effects of Tofogliflozin and Anagliptin Alone or in Combination on Glucose Metabolism and Atherosclerosis-Related Markers in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Purpose

In people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), both glucose metabolism abnormalities and atherosclerosis risk are significant concerns. This study aims to investigate the effects of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor tofogliflozin (TOFO) and the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor anagliptin (ANA) on markers of glucose metabolism and atherosclerosis when administered individually or in combination.

Methods

Fifty T2DM patients were divided into two groups (receiving either TOFO or ANA monotherapy) and observed for 12 weeks (observation points: 0 and 12 weeks). The TOFO and ANA groups were then further treated with ANA and TOFO, respectively, and the patients were observed for an additional 36 weeks (observation points: 24 and 48 weeks). Therapeutic effects and various biomarkers were compared between the two groups at the observation points.

Results

Combination therapy led to significant improvements in HbA1c levels and atherosclerosis markers. Additionally, the TOFO pretreatment group exhibited significant reductions in sLOX-1 and IL-6 levels.

Conclusion

The increase in sLOX-1 and IL-6 levels, which indicates the response of scavenger receptors to oxidized low-density lipoproteins in people with T2DM, is mitigated following TOFO and ANA combination therapy. TOFO alone or in combination with ANA may be beneficial for preventing atherosclerosis development in people with T2DM, in addition to its effect on improving HbA1c levels.

Efficacy and safety of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors plus standard care in diabetic kidney disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Many people with type 2 diabetes progress to end-stage diabetic kidney disease (DKD) despite blockade of the renin-angiotensin system, suggesting the need for innovative treatment options for DKD. To capture the findings of recent studies, we performed an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors combined with standard care involving angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and/or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) on the development and progression of DKD in people with type 2 diabetes compared with standard care alone.

METHODS

The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed and clinical trials registers were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials published before 1 September 2022. Primary outcomes were urine albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Secondary outcomes were glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and systolic blood pressure (SBP). Relative risk was calculated for adverse events.

RESULTS

Eight studies enrolling 5512 participants were included. In the meta-analysis (n = 1327), SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with a statistically significant reduction in UACR (weighted mean difference [WMD] -105.61 mg/g, 95 % CI -197.25 to -13.98, I² = 99 %, p = 0.02). There was no statistically significant difference in relation to eGFR (n = 1375; WMD -0.23 mL/min/1.73m², 95 % CI -4.34 to 3.89, I² = 94 %, p = 0.91).

CONCLUSIONS

SGLT2 inhibitors in addition to standard care including ACE inhibitors and/or ARBs significantly reduced albuminuria, HbA1c and SBP when compared to standard care alone, supporting their routine use in people with type 2 diabetes.

Urinary RBP as an Independent Predictor of Renal Outcome in Diabetic Nephropathy

Background

Renal tubular impairment is prevalent in diabetic nephropathy (DN) and the histological severity predicted renal outcome. Biomarkers of tubular injury also increased in the urine of DN patients. The retrospective study aimed to assess the prognostic value of clinically widely applied urinary tubular injury markers, retinol-binding protein (RBP), β2-microglobulin (β2-MG) and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) in DN.

Method

A total of 305 patients with biopsy-proven DN were enrolled. The baseline urine total protein and components including albumin, IgG, RBP, β2-MG and NAG were retrieved from medical records. The primary outcome was end stage renal disease (ESRD). Cox proportional hazard analysis and restricted cubic splines were performed to evaluate the association of parameters with ESRD. Nomograms were constructed and concordance index (C-index) was used to measure the prediction ability.

Result

The levels of urinary RBP, β2-MG and NAG were positively correlated with the severity of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA). Positive correlations were also observed among β2-MG, NAG and mesangial expansion. Urinary RBP was not correlated with any glomerular lesions. Urinary RBP, β2-MG and NAG were risk factors for ESRD in hazard analysis with adjustment for age, gender and body mass index (BMI). The hazard ratios increased with the increment of baseline levels. In the multivariate Cox model including serum creatinine (SCr), total urinary protein, urinary albumin, urinary IgG and the tubular injury biomarkers, urinary RBP (with every g/mol.Cr increase: HR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03-1.10, p =0.001) remained as an independent risk factor for ESRD in DN patients. Patients were divided by the medium value of urinary RBP into the low RBP and high RBP groups. Survival analysis showed that significantly more patients in the high RBP progressed to ESRD compared to those in the low RBP group (p =0.02) when urinary total protein was less than 3.5 g/g. The C-index of the nomogram incorporating age, gender, BMI, SCr and total urine protein was 0.757. The value increased to 0.777 after adding urinary RBP to the model.

Conclusions

Urinary RBP excretion was only correlated with the severity of IFTA and independently predicted ESRD in DN patients.

The effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (tofogliflozin) on renal tubular damage in diabetic patients without albuminuria

PURPOSE

The sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors comprise a new class of glucose-lowering drugs for individuals with diabetes. Large-scale clinical trials indicated that SGLT2 inhibitors have both a cardiovascular-protective and renal-protective effects. A reduction in glomerular hyperfiltration and a decrease in albuminuria are suspected as the main causes of SGLT2 inhibitors' renoprotective effect. The effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on tubular damage in non-albuminuric diabetic patients are unclear.

METHODS

The SGLT2 inhibitor tofogliflozin (20 mg, 1 × /day) was orally administered to 14 non-albuminuric diabetic patients. Serum and urine samples were collected at baseline (before) and after the start of tofogliflozin treatment. Hemoglobin A1c, hemoglobin, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), body weight, and blood pressure (BP) were analyzed as clinical parameters at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months later. Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase were measured as tubular damage markers and the urinary 8-hidroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) values were measured as an oxidative stress marker at baseline and at 1 and 3 months.

RESULTS

Compared to baseline, the patients' HbA1c values and body weights were significantly decreased post-tofogliflozin administration, and their eGFR values were decreased at 3 months but recovered at 6 months; the hemoglobin concentrations were significantly increased at 3 and 6 months and the urinary NGAL level tended to be decreased at 3 months. No significant changes in blood urea nitrogen, BP, NAG, urine sodium concentration, or urinary 8-OHdG values occurred. The effect of this SGLT2 inhibitor was not influenced by the use of an angiotensin receptor blocker or dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 inhibitor.

CONCLUSION

For individuals with non-albuminuric diabetes, tofogliflozin has a good glucose-lowering effect and might have a tubular-protective effect.

Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors Work as a "Regulator" of Autophagic Activity in Overnutrition Diseases

Several large clinical trials have shown renal and cardioprotective effects of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in diabetes patients, and the protective mechanisms need to be elucidated. There have been accumulating studies which report that SGLT2 inhibitors ameliorate autophagy deficiency of multiple organs. In overnutrition diseases, SGLT2 inhibitors affect the autophagy via various signaling pathways, including mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathways. Recently, it turned out that not only stagnation but also overactivation of autophagy causes cellular damages, indicating that therapeutic interventions which simply enhance or stagnate autophagy activity might be a “double-edged sword” in some situations. A small number of studies suggest that SGLT2 inhibitors not only activate but also suppress the autophagy flux depending on the situation, indicating that SGLT2 inhibitors can “regulate” autophagic activity and help achieve the appropriate autophagy flux in each organ. Considering the complicated control and bilateral characteristics of autophagy, the potential of SGLT2 inhibitors as the regulator of autophagic activity would be beneficial in the treatment of autophagy deficiency.

Retrospective Analysis of the Renoprotective Effects of Long-Term Use of Six Types of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors in Japanese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Kidney Disease

Aim: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) provide renal protection in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study was to elucidate the renal effects of long-term use of six types of SGLT2is in Japanese patients with T2DM and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Materials and Methods: The Kanagawa Physicians Association maintains a registry of patients who visit their 31 clinics. We retrieved clinical data of patients with T2DM and CKD who were prescribed with SGLT2is for >1 year. Results: A total of 763 patients with a median treatment duration of 33 months were included. The logarithmic value of urine albumin-creatinine ratio (LNACR) decreased significantly from 1.60 ± 0.65 to 1.51 ± 0.67. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the LNACR at the initiation of treatment, change in (Δ) diastolic blood pressure, and Δ hemoglobin A1c were independently correlated with ΔLNACR (P < 0.001). The decrease in the LNACR was significantly smaller in the patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) [mL/(min ·1.73 m²)] of <60 (P < 0.05). The eGFR decreased from 77.4 ± 22.3 to 72.7 ± 22.5 mL/(min ·1.73 m²) (P < 0.001). The multiple linear regression analysis showed that the LNACR at the initiation of treatment, Δbody weight at the previous survey, ΔeGFR at the previous survey, and the eGFR at the initiation of treatment correlated independently with ΔeGFR during the maintenance period (P < 0.001). Greater changes in the eGFR during the maintenance period were observed in the patients with macroalbuminuria or eGFR of <60 (P < 0.01). Conclusions: The study confirmed that the long-term use of six types of SGLT2i improved the albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR), although the eGFR gradually decreased during the treatment. The change in the ACR was significantly smaller in the patients with eGFR of <60 mL/(min ·1.73 m²) than in those with eGFR of >60 mL/(min ·1.73 m²). However, this was a retrospective observational study; further studies are needed to formulate final conclusions.

Safety and effectiveness of tofogliflozin in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: Results of 24-month interim analysis of a long-term post-marketing study (J-STEP/LT)

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

Tofogliflozin is a potent and highly selective sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, and is currently used to treat patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. We designed a 3-year study of tofogliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus to evaluate the safety and effectiveness in routine clinical practice. The 3- and 12-month interim analysis showed tofogliflozin was well-tolerated, safe and clinically effective. Here, we report the results of the 24-month interim analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a 3-year prospective, observational and multicenter post-marketing study (Japanese Study of Tofogliflozin with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients/Long Term).

RESULTS

Of the 6,897 patients enrolled, 6,712 and 6,461 patients were analyzed for the safety and effectiveness of tofogliflozin, respectively. During the 24-month observation period, the incidence rates of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and serious adverse drug reactions were 11.25 and 1.21%, respectively. As to adverse drug reactions of special interest, the incidence rates of hypoglycemia, polyuria/pollakiuria, volume depletion-related events, urinary tract infections and genital infection were 0.83, 1.28, 1.46, 1.18 and 1.62%, respectively. Renal disorders, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders occurred in 0.63 and 0.76% of the patients, respectively. Glycated hemoglobin A1c and bodyweight decreased significantly by -0.70% (P < 0.0001) and -2.95 kg (P < 0.0001), respectively, from baseline to week 104 (last observation carried forward).

CONCLUSIONS

Significant safety concerns have not been observed, and clinical benefit including a long-term reduction in glycated hemoglobin A1c over a 104-week (24 months) observation period with weight loss was suggested in this 24-month interim analysis of the 3-year Japanese Study of Tofogliflozin with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients/Long Term in routine clinical practice.

The Efficacy and Safety of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors in Patients with Advanced-Stage Diabetic Kidney Disease Taking Renin-Angiotensin System Blockers

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

We investigated the efficacy and safety of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors as an add-on therapy in patients with advanced-stage diabetic kidney disease taking renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Changes in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), body weight, systolic blood pressure, and annual change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were retrospectively analyzed in 20 patients after 12 months of SGLT-2 inhibitor administration (mean eGFR: 22.8 ± 9.7 mL/min/1.73 m2). All patients had advanced-stage diabetic kidney disease and were taking RAS blockers. Twenty patients matched with similar propensity scores who were not taking SGLT-2 inhibitors served as the control group.

RESULTS

The annual change in eGFR improved significantly from -8.6 ± 12.5 mL/min/1.73 m2/year to -2.6 ± 5.0 mL/min/1.73 m2/year after 12 months by SGLT-2 inhibitor administration (p < 0.05), but did not change in the control group. Other clinical parameters, such as HbA1c, UACR, body weight, blood pressure, serum lipids, and electrolytes did not change in either group. No adverse effects were observed by taking SGLT-2 inhibitors.

CONCLUSION

Using SGLT-2 inhibitors as an add-on therapy may have beneficial effects on renal function in patients with advanced-stage diabetic kidney disease taking RAS blockers without any adverse effects.

Renal effects of a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, tofogliflozin, in relation to sodium intake and glycaemic status

AIMS

Little is known about whether sodium intake is associated with the clinical effects of SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2is); however, SGLT2is may increase urinary sodium excretion. Thus, we investigated the impact of daily sodium intake on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) via an SGLT2i, tofogliflozin (TOFO), in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS

Individual-level data on 775 T2D patients in TOFO Phase 3 trials were analysed. Adjusted changes in variables during 52 weeks of TOFO therapy were compared according to basal daily salt intake (DSI), which was measured based on estimated daily urinary sodium excretion using the Tanaka formula. Multivariable analysis was used to investigate the impact of basal DSI on changes in eGFR at Weeks 4 and 52.

RESULTS

Sixty-six percent of participants were men; mean age, HbA1c, body mass index, eGFR_MDRD and median DSI were 58.5 years, 8.0%, 25.6 kg/m² , 83.9 mL/min/1.73 m² and 9.3 g/d, respectively. In all participants, eGFR_MDRD sharply dipped during Week 4, and gradually increased by Week 52, showing a significant increase overall from baseline to Week 52. Multivariable analysis showed that basal DSI and HbA1c levels were independently correlated with eGFR_MDRD changes at Weeks 4 and 52. Additionally, lower baseline HbA1c and DSI levels were significantly correlated with a greater increase in eGFR_MDRD at Week 52.

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary salt intake, in addition to glycaemic control, correlates with changed eGFR_MDRD via TOFO. Thus, an appropriate dietary approach to therapy should be considered before treatment of T2D patients with an SGLT2i.