Effect of dapagliflozin on cardiac function in people with type 2 diabetes and albuminuria - A double blind randomized placebo-controlled crossover trial

The current landscape for diabetes treatment: Preventing diabetes-associated CV risk

Despite the risk of atherosclerosis has progressively declined over the past few decades, subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) continue to experience substantial excess of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD)-related events. Therefore, there is urgent need to treat ASCVD disease in T2DM earlier, more intensively, and with greater precision. Many factors concur to increase the risk of atherosclerosis, and multifactorial intervention remains the basis for effective prevention or reduction of atherosclerotic events. The role of anti-hyperglycemic medications in reducing the risk of ASCVD in subjects with T2DM has evolved over the past few years. Multiple cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) with new and emerging glucose-lowering agents, namely SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RA), have demonstrated significant reductions of major cardiovascular events and additional benefits. This robust evidence has changed the landscape for managing people with T2DM. In addition to glycemic and ancillary extra-glycemic properties, SGLT2i and GLP1-RA might exert favorable effects on subclinical and clinical atherosclerosis. Therefore, the objective of this review is to discuss the available evidence supporting anti-atherosclerotic properties of SGLT2i and GLP1-RA, with a quick nod to sotagliflozin and tirzepatide.

Effect of dapagliflozin on collectins and complement activation in plasma from patients with type 2 diabetes and albuminuria: Data from the DapKid cohort

BACKGROUND

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT- 2) inhibitors exert cardiovascular and kidney-protective effects in people with diabetes. Attenuation of inflammation could be important for systemic protection. The lectin pathway of complement system activation is linked to diabetic nephropathy. We hypothesized that SGLT-2 inhibitors lower the circulating level of pattern-recognition molecules of the lectin cascade and attenuate systemic complement activation.

METHODS

Analysis of paired plasma samples from the DapKid crossover intervention study where patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and albuminuria were treated with dapagliflozin and placebo for 12 weeks (10 mg/day, n=36). ELISA was used to determine concentrations of collectin kidney 1 (CL-K1), collectin liver 1 (CL-L1), mannose-binding lectin (MBL), MBL-associated serine protease 2 (MASP-2), the anaphylatoxin complement factor 3a (C3a), the stable C3 split product C3dg and the membrane attack complex (sC5b-9).

RESULTS

As published before, dapagliflozin treatment lowered Hba1C from 74 (14.9) mmol/mol to 66 (13.9) mmol/mol (p<0.0001), and the urine albumin/creatinine ratio from 167.8 mg/g to 122.5 mg/g (p<0.0001). Plasma concentrations of CL-K1, CL-L1, MBL, and MASP-2 did not change significantly after dapagliflozin treatment (P>0.05) compared to placebo treatment. The plasma levels of C3a (P<0.05) and C3dg (P<0.01) increased slightly but significantly, 0.6 [0.2] units/mL and 76 [52] units/mL respectively, after dapagliflozin treatment. The C9-associated neoepitope in C5b-9 did not change in plasma concentration by dapagliflozin (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

In patients with type 2 diabetes and albuminuria, SGLT-2 inhibition resulted in modest C3 activation in plasma, likely not driven by primary changes in circulating collectins and not resulting in changes in membrane attack complex. Based on systemic analyses, organ-specific local protective effects of gliflozins against complement activation cannot be excluded.

Changes in Cardiovascular and Renal Biomarkers Associated with SGLT2 Inhibitors Treatment in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major health problem worldwide with a steadily increasing prevalence reaching epidemic proportions. The major concern is the increased morbidity and mortality due to diabetic complications. Traditional but also nontraditional risk factors have been proposed to explain the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications. Hyperglycemia has been considered an important risk factor, and the strict glycemic control can have a positive impact on microangiopathy but not macroangiopathy and its related morbidity and mortality. Thus, the therapeutic algorithm has shifted focus from a glucose-centered approach to a strategy that now emphasizes target-organ protection. Sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors is an extremely important class of antidiabetic medications that, in addition to their glucose lowering effect, also exhibit cardio- and renoprotective effects. Various established and novel biomarkers have been described, reflecting kidney and cardiovascular function. In this review, we investigated the changes in established but also novel biomarkers of kidney, heart and vascular function associated with sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Obesity-Related Kidney Disease: Current Understanding and Future Perspectives

Obesity is a serious chronic disease and an independent risk factor for the new onset and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD prevalence is expected to increase, at least partly due to the continuous rise in the prevalence of obesity. The concept of obesity-related kidney disease (OKD) has been introduced to describe the still incompletely understood interplay between obesity, CKD, and other cardiometabolic conditions, including risk factors for OKD and cardiovascular disease, such as diabetes and hypertension. Current therapeutics target obesity and CKD individually. Non-pharmacological interventions play a major part, but the efficacy and clinical applicability of lifestyle changes and metabolic surgery remain debatable, because the strategies do not benefit everyone, and it remains questionable whether lifestyle changes can be sustained in the long term. Pharmacological interventions, such as sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors and the non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist finerenone, provide kidney protection but have limited or no impact on body weight. Medicines based on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) induce clinically relevant weight loss and may also offer kidney benefits. An urgent medical need remains for investigations to better understand the intertwined pathophysiologies in OKD, paving the way for the best possible therapeutic strategies in this increasingly prevalent disease complex.

Association between Dapagliflozin, Cardiac Biomarkers and Cardiac Remodeling in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus and Heart Failure

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are a relatively new class of antidiabetic drugs that have shown favorable effects in heart failure (HF) patients, irrespective of the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Recent studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of empagliflozin on cardiac function and structure; however, less is known about dapagliflozin. The purpose of the current work was to investigate the association between the use of dapagliflozin and cardiac biomarkers as well as the cardiac structure in a cohort of patients with HF and diabetes mellitus (DM). The present work was an observational study that included 118 patients (dapagliflozin group n = 60; control group n = 58) with HF and DM. The inclusion criteria included: age > 18 years, a history of DM and HF, regardless of LVEF, and hospitalization for HF exacerbation within the previous 6 months. The exclusion criteria were previous treatment with SGLT2i or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, a GFR< 30 and life expectancy < 1 year. The evaluation of patients (at baseline, 6 and 12 months) included a clinical assessment, laboratory blood tests and echocardiography. The Mann-Whitney test was used for the comparison of continuous variables between the two groups, while Friedman's analysis of variance for repeated measures was used for the comparison of continuous variables. Troponin (p < 0.001) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) (p < 0.001) decreased significantly throughout the follow-up period in the dapagliflozin group, but not in the control group (p > 0.05 for both). The LV end-diastolic volume index (p < 0.001 for both groups) and LV end-systolic volume index (p < 0.001 for both groups) decreased significantly in the dapagliflozin and the control group, respectively. The LVEF increased significantly (p < 0.001) only in the dapagliflozin group, whereas the global longitudinal strain (GLS) improved in the dapagliflozin group (p < 0.001) and was impaired in the control group (p = 0.021). The left atrial volume index decreased in the dapagliflozin group (p < 0.001) but remained unchanged in the control group (p = 0.114). Lastly, the left ventricular mass index increased significantly both in the dapagliflozin (p = 0.003) and control group (p = 0.001). Dapagliflozin, an SGLT2i, was associated with a reduction in cardiac biomarkers and with reverse cardiac remodeling in patients with HF and DM.

Effects of Two- and Twelve-Weeks Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibition on DNA and RNA Oxidation: Two Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trials

Animal studies have shown that SGLT2 inhibition decreases oxidative stress, which may explain the cardiovascular protective effects observed following SGLT2 inhibition treatment. Thus, we investigated the effects of two and twelve weeks SGLT2 inhibition on DNA and RNA oxidation. Individuals with type 2 diabetes (n = 31) were randomized to two weeks of treatment with the SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin treatment (25 mg once daily) or placebo. The primary outcome was changes in DNA and RNA oxidation measured as urinary excretion of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine (8-oxoGuo), respectively. In another trial, individuals with type 2 diabetes (n = 35) were randomized to twelve weeks of dapagliflozin treatment (10 mg once daily) or placebo in a crossover study. Changes in urinary excretion of 8-oxodG and 8-oxoGuo were investigated as a post-hoc analysis. Compared with placebo treatment, two weeks of empagliflozin treatment did not change urinary excretion of 8-oxodG (between-group difference: 0.3 nmol/24-hour (95% CI: -4.2 to 4.8)) or 8-oxoGuo (1.3 nmol/24-hour (95% CI: -4.7 to 7.3)). From a mean baseline 8-oxodG/creatinine urinary excretion of 1.34 nmol/mmol, dapagliflozin-treated individuals changed 8-oxodG/creatinine by -0.17 nmol/mmol (95% CI: -0.29 to -0.04) following twelve weeks of treatment, whereas placebo-treated individuals did not change 8-oxodG/creatinine (within-group effect: 0.10 nmol/mmol (95% CI: -0.02 to 0.22)) resulting in a significant between-group difference (P = 0.01). Urinary excretion of 8-oxoGuo was unaffected by dapagliflozin treatment. In conclusion, two weeks of empagliflozin treatment did not change DNA or RNA oxidation. However, a post-hoc analysis revealed that longer term dapagliflozin treatment decreased DNA oxidation. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02890745 and NCT02914691.HighlightsPlasma ferritin correlated with DNA and RNA oxidation in individuals with T2DTwelve weeks dapagliflozin treatment decreased DNA oxidationDapagliflozin and empagliflozin treatment did not change RNA oxidationLipid peroxidation was unaffected by two weeks empagliflozin treatment.

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.

Effects of Dapagliflozin on EChOcardiographic Measures of CarDiac StructurE and Function in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: The DECODE-CKD Trial

Key Points

SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) exert cardioprotective effects in patients with CKD through unknown mechanisms. DECODE-CKD is the first randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effects of SGLT2i on cardiac structure and function in patients with CKD.

Background

SGLT2 inhibitors, originally developed as glucose-lowering agents for treatment of type 2 diabetes, have been shown to have cardio- and kidney-protective effects among CKD patients with and without diabetes. However, the mechanisms remain largely unknown.

Methods

Dapagliflozin on EChOcardiographic Measures of CarDiac StructurE and Function in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (DECODE-CKD) is an investigator-initiated, prospective, single-center, randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the effects of 6 months of treatment with 10 mg of dapagliflozin compared with placebo on cardiac structure and function in 222 adults with CKD.

Results

The primary objective was to assess whether dapagliflozin improves left ventricular mass index. Secondary and exploratory end points include changes in cardiac and kidney markers, quality of life, depressive symptoms, and cognitive function.

Conclusions

This is the first study to address the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on cardiac structure and function in patients with CKD. The results will provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying the cardioprotective benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with CKD.

Clinical Trial registry name and registration number

NCT05359263

Targeting inflammation to treat diabetic kidney disease: the road to 2030

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the fastest growing causes of chronic kidney disease and associated morbidity and mortality. Preclinical research has demonstrated the involvement of inflammation in its pathogenesis and in the progression of kidney damage, supporting clinical trials designed to explore anti-inflammatory strategies. However, the recent success of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and the nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist finerenone has changed both guidelines and standard of care, rendering obsolete older studies directly targeting inflammatory mediators and the clinical development was discontinued for most anti-inflammatory drugs undergoing clinical trials for DKD in 2016. Given the contribution of inflammation to the pathogenesis of DKD, we review the impact on kidney inflammation of the current standard of care, therapies undergoing clinical trials, or repositioned drugs for DKD. Moreover, we review recent advances in the molecular regulation of inflammation in DKD and discuss potential novel therapeutic strategies with clinical relevance. Finally, we provide a road map for future research aimed at integrating the growing knowledge on inflammation and DKD into clinical practice to foster improvement of patient outcomes.

The effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors on biomarkers of inflammation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Aims: Inflammatory biomarkers may play vital roles in the pathophysiology of diabetes and diabetic cardiorenal complications. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have a potential cardiovascular and renal protective effect in type 2 diabetes. The aim of this meta-analysis was to quantify the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on biomarkers of inflammation in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched for eligible RCTs of adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) with no time limit (updated to 12 October 2022). The biomarkers selected included C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, leptin, adiponectin, ferritin, plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. Data were analyzed using a random-effect model in Review Manager 5.4. Results: Thirty-four studies with 6,261 patients (68.6% male) were eligible for this meta-analysis. The mean age of the participants was 62.57(±11.13) years old, and the median treatment duration length with follow-up was 24 weeks. Generally, the included trials were of good methodological quality. The meta-analysis revealed that ferritin levels were significantly reduced in SGLT2 inhibitor treatment groups versus placebo or standard diabetes therapies (SMD: -1.21; 95% CI: -1.91, -0.52, p < 0.001). The effects of CRP (SMD: 0.25; 95% CI: -0.47, -0.03, p = 0.02) and leptin (SMD: -0.22; 95% CI: -0.43, -0.01, p = 0.04) were reduced, and the effects of adiponectin were improved (SMD: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.41, p < 0.001) in placebo-controlled studies. PAI-1 levels were significantly reduced in studies controlled for diabetes therapies (SMD: -0.38; 95% CI: -0.61, -0.15, p = 0.001). Conclusion: This analysis provides strong evidence supporting anti-inflammatory effects of SGLT2 inhibitors in T2D subjects. The mechanisms and possible targets for the inflammation reducing and cardiorenal protective properties of SGLT2 inhibitors remain to be explored.

Dapagliflozin Improves the Urinary Proteomic Kidney-Risk Classifier CKD273 in Type 2 Diabetes with Albuminuria: A Randomized Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor dapagliflozin on the kidney-risk urinary proteomic classifier (CKD273) in persons with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and albuminuria.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In a double-blind, randomized, controlled, crossover trial, we assigned participants with T2D and urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) ≥30 mg/g to receive dapagliflozin or matching placebo added to guideline-recommended treatment (ClinicalTrial.gov identifier NCT02914691). Treatment periods lasted 12 weeks, when crossover to the opposing treatment occurred. The primary outcome was change in CKD273 score. Secondary outcomes included regression from high-risk to low-risk CKD273 pattern using the prespecified cutoff score of 0.154. The primary outcome was assessed using paired t test between end-to-end CKD273 scores after dapagliflozin and placebo treatment. The McNemar test was used to assess regression in risk category.

RESULTS

A total of 40 participants were randomized and 32 completed the trial with intact proteomic measurements. Twenty-eight (88%) were men, the baseline mean (SD) age was 63.0 (8.3) years, mean (SD) diabetes duration was 15.4 (4.5) years, mean HbA1c was 73 (14) mmol/mol (8.8% [1.3%]), and median (interquartile range) UACR was 154 (94, 329) mg/g. Dapagliflozin significantly lowered CKD273 score compared with placebo (-0.221; 95% CI -0.356, -0.087; P = 0.002). Fourteen participants exhibited a high-risk pattern after dapagliflozin treatment compared with 24 after participants placebo (P = 0.021).

CONCLUSIONS

Dapagliflozin added to renin-angiotensin system inhibition reduced the urinary proteomic classifier CKD273 in persons with T2D and albuminuria, paving the way for the further investigation of CKD273 as a modifiable kidney risk factor.

[Impact of Dapagliflozin on echocardiographic parameters in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction: "About a monocentric series of 43 cases"]

INTRODUCTION

The treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction HFrEF (< 40%) uses hygienic-dietary rules combined with beta-blockers, renin-angiotensin system blockers RASB (alone or in combination with Sacubitril) and spironolactone. Dapagliflozin (SGLT2 inhibitor) has proven its effectiveness in reducing morbi-mortality in patients with HF. However, its effects on echocardiographic parameters are less known.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the impact of the addition of Dapagliflozin to conventional treatment on echocardiographic parameters in patients with HFrEF < 40%.

METHOD

Observational, single-center and non-randomized study involving patients with HFrEF < 40%. This group was compared to a cohort of 50 patients with HfrEF < 40% under conventional treatment without Dapagliflozin (taken from the HF register of our center and whose management dates back to before the adoption of this molecule in the HF ESC-2021 guidelines) to assess the ultrasound impact of Dapagliflozin.

RESULTS

43 patients aged between 40 and 68 years with HfrEF < 40% on Beta-blocker, BSRA, Spironolactone and Dapagliflozin 10 mg/d. The mean EF was 33% ± 3 (30-39%), mean LVd diameter 64 mm ± 6 (55-71 mm) and mean longitudinal strain at -11% ± 4. These patients were compared to a cohort of 50 patients with the same profile without Dapagliflozin. After a follow-up of 7 months (5-8 months): The average EF increased to 37% with 11 patients EF > 40% against 35% and 5 patients EF > 40% for the group without Dapagliflozin (P 0.057), average LVd at 61 mm versus 66 mm in the group without Dapagliflozin (P 0.095), Mean longitudinal strain at -14% (6 patients < -15) versus -12% (1 patient <-15) in the group without Dapagliflozin (P 0.046).

CONCLUSION

In a population of patients with HfrEF < 40% under conventional treatment for HF, the prescription of Dapagliflozin is associated with an improvement of echocardiographic parameters (EF and longitudinal strain). MOTS-CLéS: Série;Dapagliflozine;insuffisance cardiaque;strain;ProBNP;dysfonction VG.

Counteracting heart failure with diabetes drugs: a review into the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties

INTRODUCTION

: Heart failure (HF) is becoming a huge public health burden. New diabetes drugs for type 2 diabetes (T2D), sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is), reduce the rate of hospitalization for HF in placebo-controlled trials.

AREAS COVERED

: Pharmacokinetics of dapagliflozin and empagliflozin (in presence of renal impairment and hepatic dysfunction, two comorbidities frequently associated with HF) and pharmacodynamic studies in patients with HF. Main HF outcomes in T2D patients with cardiovascular risk and in patients with reduced (HFrEF) or preserved (HFpEF) ejection fraction, with or without T2D, from DAPA-HF, EMPEROR-Reduced and EMPEROR-Preserved original findings and post hoc analyses.

EXPERT OPINION

: No clinically relevant changes are expected concerning SGLT2i pharmacokinetics in patients with HF while pharmacodynamic studies reported improvements in myocardium/vascular parameters, biomarkers and functional status. All SGLT2is showed a remarkable reduction in hospitalization for HF in patients with T2D and high cardiovascular risk. Furthermore, both dapagliflozin and empagliflozin improved the prognosis of patients with HFrEF, independently of the presence of T2D. Similar results were reported with empagliflozin in patients with HFpEF, to be confirmed with dapagliflozin in an ongoing trial (DELIVER). Thus, SGLT2is offer a new opportunity for the prevention and management of HF in patients with or without T2D.

New antidiabetic therapy and HFpEF: light at the end of tunnel?

New antidiabetic therapy that includes sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists, and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors showed significant benefit on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus, and this was particularly confirmed for SGLT2 inhibitors in subjects with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Their role on patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is still not elucidated, but encouraging results coming from the clinical studies indicate their beneficial role. The role of GLP-1R agonists and particularly DPP-4 inhibitors is less clear and debatable. Findings from the meta-analyses are sending positive message about the use of GLP-1R agonists in HFrEF therapy and revealed the improvement of left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in HFpEF. Nevertheless, the relevant medical societies still consider their effect as neutral or insufficiently investigated in HF patients. The impact of DPP-4 inhibitors in HF is the most controversial due to conflicting data that range from negative impact and increased risk of hospitalization due to HF, throughout neutral effect, to beneficial influence on LV diastolic dysfunction. However, this is a very heterogeneous group of medications and some professional societies made clear discrepancy between saxagliptin that might increase risk of HF hospitalization and those DPP-4 inhibitors that have no effect on hospitalization. The aim of this review is to summarize current clinical evidence about the effect of new antidiabetic medications on LV diastolic function and their potential benefits in HFpEF patients.

Effects of Sodium/Glucose Cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors on Cardiac Imaging Parameters: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Recent studies have shown that sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors might exert favourable changes on cardiac parameters as observed on cardiovascular imaging. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on cardiac imaging parameters. Four electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus) were searched for studies in which the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on cardiac imaging parameters were examined. Studies in which a population was administered SGLT2 inhibitors and analysed by echocardiography and/or cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging were included. Random-effects pair-wise meta-analysis models were utilized to summarize the studies. A total of 11 randomized controlled trials was included with a combined cohort of 910 patients. Comparing patients receiving SGLT2 inhibitors with subjects receiving placebo, the mean change in CMR-measured left ventricular mass (LVM) was -3.87 g (95% confidence interval [CI], -7.77 to 0.04), that in left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) was -5.96 mL (95% CI, -10.52 to -1.41) for combined LVESV outcomes, that in left atrial volume index (LAVi) was -1.78 mL/m² (95% CI, -3.01 to -0.55) for combined LAVi outcomes, and that in echocardiography-measured E/e' was -0.73 (95% CI, -1.43 to -0.03). Between-group differences were not observed in LVM and LVESV after indexation. The only between-group difference that persisted was for LAVi. Treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors resulted in reduction in LAVi and E/e' on imaging, indicating they might have an effect on outcomes associated with LV diastolic function.

Acute and Long-Term Treatment With Dapagliflozin and Association With Serum Soluble Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor

Background: Elevated soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is highly associated with increased risk of diabetic complications. Dapagliflozin is a drug inhibiting the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 in the kidney to decrease blood glucose, while also decreasing risk of kidney disease, heart failure, and death. Therefore, we have investigated suPAR as a monitor for treatment effect with dapagliflozin in diabetes. Methods: suPAR was measured in two double-blinded randomized clinical cross-over trials. The first trial investigated the effect of a single dose dapagliflozin 50 mg or placebo 12 h after intake, in individuals with type 1 diabetes and albuminuria. The second trial investigated the effect of a daily dose dapagliflozin 10 mg or placebo for 12 weeks, in individuals with type 2 diabetes and albuminuria. suPAR was measured in serum samples taken, in the acute trial, after treatment with dapagliflozin and placebo, and in the long-term trial, before and after treatment with dapagliflozin and placebo. Effect of dapagliflozin on suPAR levels were assessed using paired t-test. Results: 15 participants completed the acute trial and 35 completed the long-term trial. Mean difference in suPAR between dapagliflozin and placebo in the acute trial after 12 h was 0.70 ng/ml (95% CI: 0.66; 1.33, p = 0.49). In the long-term trial the mean difference was 0.06 ng/ml (95% CI -0.15; 0.27, p = 0.57). Conclusion: Based on our findings we conclude that suPAR is not a feasible marker to monitor the effect of treatment with dapagliflozin. Thus, a further search of suitable markers must continue.

Effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors on cardiac remodelling: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

To examine the effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on cardiac remodelling in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and/or heart failure (HF), and to explore the subsets of patients who may have greater benefit from SGLT2i therapy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Four electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of SGLT2i on parameters reflecting cardiac remodelling in patients with T2DM and/or HF. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) or mean differences (MDs) were pooled. Subgroup analyses were performed according to the baseline HF and T2DM, HF type, SGLT2i agent, follow-up duration, and imaging modality. A total of 13 RCTs involving 1251 patients were analysed. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors treatment significantly improved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction [SMD, 0.35; 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.04, 0.65); P = 0.03], LV mass [SMD, -0.48; 95% CI (-0.79, -0.18); P = 0.002], LV mass index [SMD, -0.27; 95% CI (-0.49, -0.05); P = 0.02], LV end-systolic volume [SMD, -0.37; 95% CI (-0.71; -0.04); P = 0.03], LV end-systolic volume index [MD, -0.35 mL/m2; 95% CI (-0.64, -0.05); P = 0.02], and E-wave deceleration time [SMD, -0.37; 95% CI (-0.70, -0.05); P = 0.02] in the overall population. Subgroup analyses showed that the favourable effects of SGLT2i on LV remodelling were only significant in HF patients, especially HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), regardless of glycaemic status. Among the four included SGLT2i, empagliflozin was associated with a greater improvement of LV mass, LV mass index, LV end-systolic volume, LV end-systolic volume index, LV end-diastolic volume, and LV end-diastolic volume index (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors treatment significantly reversed cardiac remodelling, improving LV systolic and diastolic function, LV mass and volume, especially in patients with HFrEF and amongst those taking empagliflozin compared with other SGLT2i. Reversed remodelling may be a mechanism responsible for the favourable clinical effects of SGLT2i on HF.

Effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors on cardiac structural and electrical remodeling: from myocardial cytology to cardiodiabetology

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have changed the clinical landscape of diabetes mellitus (DM) therapy through their favourable effects on cardiovascular outcomes. Notably, the use of SGLT2i has been linked to cardiovascular benefits regardless of DM status, while their pleiotropic actions remain to be fully elucidated. What we do know is that SGLT2i exert beneficial effects even at the level of the myocardial cell, and that these are linked to an improvement in the energy substrate, resulting in less inflammation and fibrosis. SGLT2i ameliorate myocardial extracellular matrix remodeling, cardiomyocyte stiffness and concentric hypertrophy, achieving beneficial remodeling of the left ventricle with significant implications for the pathogenesis and outcome of heart failure. Most studies show a significant improvement in markers of diastolic dysfunction along with a reduction in left ventricular hypertrophy. In addition to these effects there is electrophysiological remodeling, which explains initial data suggesting that SGLT2i have an antiarrhythmic action against both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. However, future studies need to clarify not only the exact mechanisms of this beneficial functional, structural, and electrophysiological cardiac remodeling, but also its magnitude, and to determine whether this is a class or a drug effect.

Effect of empagliflozin on myocardial structure and function in patients with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular risk: the SIMPLE randomized clinical trial

To investigate the effects of 13 weeks treatment with empagliflozin in patients with high-risk type-2 diabetes mellitus on echocardiographic measures of left ventricular (LV) structure and function compared to placebo. A total of 91 patients were randomized to treatment with empagliflozin (25 mg/day, n = 45) or matching placebo (n = 45) for 13 weeks. Left ventricular (LV) mass, volumes and geometry as well as measures of LV systolic and diastolic function were measured using echocardiography at baseline and follow up. Mean LV mass index (LVMi) was reduced by - 11.5 g/m² (95% CI - 56.4; 33.4, p = 0.03) with empagliflozin compared to - 1.4 g/m² (95% CI - 36.5; 33.8, p = 0.63) for placebo. The proportion of patients with LV hypertrophy was reduced by 16.3% (p = 0.04) in the empagliflozin group compared to 1.1% in the placebo group (p = 1.00). The proportion of patients with left atrial volume index > 34 mL/m² was reduced by 20.0% (p = 0.02) with empagliflozin compared to 9.5% for placebo (p = 0.45) and the E/e' ratio decreased (∆-0.8 (1.9) vs. ∆0.5 (2.0), p < 0.01). 13 weeks empagliflozin treatment in patients with type-2 diabetes at high CV risk significantly reduced LV mass, improved LV geometry and improved diastolic function compared to placebo.

Effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors on cardiac structure and function in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with or without chronic heart failure: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Although the benefits of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on cardiovascular events have been reported in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with or without heart failure (HF), the impact of SGLT2i on cardiac remodelling remains to be established.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases up to November 16th, 2020, for randomized controlled trials reporting the effects of SGLT2i on parameters of cardiac structure, cardiac function, plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level or the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) score in T2DM patients with or without chronic HF. The effect size was expressed as the mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup analyses were performed based on the stage A-B or stage C HF population and HF types.

RESULTS

Compared to placebo or other antidiabetic drugs, SGLT2i showed no significant effects on left ventricular mass index, left ventricular end diastolic volume index, left ventricular end systolic volume index, or left atrial volume index. SGLT2i improved left ventricular ejection fraction only in the subgroup of HF patients with reduced ejection fraction (MD 3.16%, 95% CI 0.11 to 6.22, p = 0.04; I2 = 0%), and did not affect the global longitudinal strain in the overall analysis including stage A-B HF patients. SGLT2i showed benefits in the E/e' ratio (MD - 0.45, 95% CI - 0.88 to - 0.03, p = 0.04; I2 = 0%), plasma NT-proBNP level (SMD - 0.09, 95% CI - 0.16 to - 0.03, p = 0.004; I2 = 0%), and the KCCQ score (SMD 3.12, 95% CI 0.76 to 5.47, p  = 0.01; I2 = 0%) in the overall population.

CONCLUSION

The use of SGLT2i was associated with significant improvements in cardiac diastolic function, plasma NT-proBNP level, and the KCCQ score in T2DM patients with or without chronic HF, but did not significantly affect cardiac structural parameters indexed by body surface area. The LVEF level was improved only in HF patients with reduced ejection fraction.