Impact of empagliflozin in patients with diabetes and heart failure

Comparative effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors on heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in diabetic patients: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is common in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), leading to high morbidity and mortality. Managing HFpEF in diabetic patients is challenging with limited treatments. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RA) have shown potential cardiovascular benefits. This meta-analysis compares the effects of GLP1-RA and SGLT2 inhibitors on HFpEF in T2D patients.

METHODS

We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies evaluating GLP1-RA and SGLT2 inhibitors' impact on HFpEF in T2D patients. Databases searched included PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library up to July 2024. Primary outcomes were changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), myocardial fibrosis (extracellular volume fraction, ECV), and functional capacity (6-minute walk test, 6MWT). Secondary outcomes included HbA1c, body weight, and systolic blood pressure (SBP).  RESULTS: Twelve studies with 3,428 patients (GLP1-RA: 1,654; SGLT2 inhibitors: 1,774) were included. Both GLP1-RA and SGLT2 inhibitors significantly improved LVEF compared to placebo (GLP1-RA: mean difference [MD] 2.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5 to 4.1, p < 0.001; SGLT2 inhibitors: MD 3.2%, 95% CI 2.0 to 4.4, p < 0.001). SGLT2 inhibitors significantly reduced myocardial fibrosis (MD -3.5%, 95% CI -4.2 to -2.8, p < 0.001) more than GLP1-RA (MD -2.3%, 95% CI -3.0 to -1.6, p < 0.001). Functional capacity improved significantly with both treatments (GLP1-RA: MD 45 m, 95% CI 30 to 60, p < 0.001; SGLT2 inhibitors: MD 50 m, 95% CI 35 to 65, p < 0.001). Secondary outcomes showed reductions in HbA1c (GLP1-RA: MD -1.1%, 95% CI -1.4 to -0.8, p < 0.001; SGLT2 inhibitors: MD -1.0%, 95% CI -1.3 to -0.7, p < 0.001) and body weight (GLP1-RA: MD -2.5 kg, 95% CI -3.1 to -1.9, p < 0.001; SGLT2 inhibitors: MD -2.0 kg, 95% CI -2.6 to -1.4, p < 0.001). Both treatments significantly lowered SBP (GLP1-RA: MD -5.2 mmHg, 95% CI -6.5 to -3.9, p < 0.001; SGLT2 inhibitors: MD -4.8 mmHg, 95% CI -6.0 to -3.6, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

GLP1-RA and SGLT2 inhibitors significantly benefit HFpEF management in T2D patients. SGLT2 inhibitors reduce myocardial fibrosis more effectively, while both improve LVEF, functional capacity, and metabolic parameters. These therapies should be integral to HFpEF management in diabetic patients. Further research is needed on long-term outcomes and potential combined therapy effects.

Effect of empagliflozin on left ventricular volumes in type 2 diabetes or prediabetes heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction

OBJECTIVE

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, such as empagliflozin are antidiabetic drugs that have recently been reported to have cardio-protective action; however, their effect on cardiac structure and function in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) has not yet been determined. This study evaluates the efficacy of empagliflozin on left ventricular (LV) volumes in type 2 diabetes or prediabetes patients with HFrEF.

METHODS

This randomised, double-blind, trial study was conducted on 104 patients with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes with HFrEF referred to Imam Khomeini and Golestan hospitals in Ahvaz, Iran. The patients were randomised to receive empagliflozin (10 mg once daily) in addition to standard treatments of HFrEF or receive only standard treatments (control group) for six months. During the six months of follow-up, changes in LV volumes, LVEF, hospitalisation for heart failure (HF) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Empagliflozin reduced LVEDVI and LVESVI by 10.0 and 8.0 mL/m2 (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, a significant increase in LVEF was observed in the empagliflozin group (p < 0.0001) without any significant change in the control group (p = 0.389). The hospitalisation rate was lower in the empagliflozin group than the control group (3.8% vs. 23.1%; p = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Empagliflozin is effective in reducing LV volumes and hospitalisation rate in patients with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes and HFrEF. Therefore, treatment with empagliflozin for six months was associated with a significant reduction in adverse cardiovascular outcomes in these patients.

Cardiovascular Diseases: Therapeutic Potential of SGLT-2 Inhibitors

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a global health concern, affecting millions of patients worldwide and being the leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, thus creating a major public health concern. Sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have emerged as a promising class of medications for managing CVD. Initially developed as antihyperglycemic agents for treating type 2 diabetes, these drugs have demonstrated significant cardiovascular benefits beyond glycemic control. In our paper, we discuss the role of empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, canagliflozin, ertugliflozin, and the relatively recently approved bexagliflozin, the class of SGLT-2 inhibitors, as potential therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases. All mentioned SGLT-2 inhibitors have demonstrated significant cardiovascular benefits and renal protection in clinical trials, in patients with or without type 2 diabetes. These novel therapeutic approaches aim to develop more effective treatments that improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of these conditions. However, the major scientific achievements of recent years and the many new discoveries and mechanisms still require careful attention and additional studies.

Safety profile of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors: A brief summary

A new therapeutic class of oral agents firstly used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus is represented by gliflozines or sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. SGLT2 inhibitors might be effective alone or in combination with any other drugs. This therapeutic class currently includes five agents: canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, ertugliflozin, and sotagliflozin. SGLT2 inhibitors prevent the renal reabsorption of filtered glucose and sodium by blocking the SGLT2 co-transporters in the proximal convoluted renal tubule, facilitating glucose excretion in the urine (glycosuria) and lowering blood glucose levels. SGLT2 inhibitors have also shown to have pleiotropic effects and determine cardiovascular and renal prevention, thus leading to an extension of their therapeutic indication to include the heart failure. Despite their clinical benefits, warnings about adverse events have been implemented by Regulatory Agencies in the product's information since their introduction to the market. In particular, SGLT2 inhibitors have shown a strong impact on a high number of risk factors. They can cause hypoglycaemia, hypotension, lower limb amputation, fractures, genito-urinary infections, and diabetic ketoacidosis with different frequencies of onset. Despite some of these events are rare, they can lead to serious and dangerous complications, highlighting the importance of a strict monitoring of patients. Overall, SLGT-2 inhibitors are effective antidiabetic drugs with favorable advantages in renal and cardiovascular protection, and with a generally well-tolerated safety profile. This review aims to summarize the safety profile of SGLT2 inhibitors available in the market.

Effect of Sodium-Glucose Co-transporter Protein 2 Inhibitors on Arrhythmia in Heart Failure Patients With or Without Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Aim

Arrhythmic events such as atrial fibrillation (AF) are tightly associated with an increased risk of heart failure (HF). Previous studies have shown inconsistent results regarding the association between sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and the risk of arrhythmia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of SGLT2i treatment with arrhythmia outcomes in clinical trials of patients with HF.

Methods

We searched Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, The Cochrane Library, and JAMA databases to identify appropriate randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of SGLT2i interventions. Endpoint outcomes included AF, atrial flutter (AFL), AF/AFL, ventricular fibrillation (VF), ventricular tachycardia (VT), VF/VT, and bradycardia. A random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis of all outcomes. The risk of bias and quality of evidence was assessed by using the Cochrane tool and assessment framework.

Results

Out of 1,725 citations, 9 trials were included in this study, with follow-up from 4 weeks to 52 weeks for 10,344 participants (mean age 68.27 years; 69.62% of participants were men). Compared with placebo, SGLT2i reduced the incidence of AF by 37% [ratio risk (RR) 0.63; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.45–0.87; p < 0.05] and AF/AFL by 34% (RR 0.66; 95% CI 0.49–0.90; p < 0.05).

Conclusions

SGLT2i can reduce the risk of cardiac arrhythmias, particularly the AF. Our study provides strong evidence for recommending the use of SGLT2i in patients with HF.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42022296696.

Rationale and design of the effects of EMpagliflozin on left ventricular DIAstolic function in diabetes (EmDia) study

Background

Data of the EMPA-REG OUTCOME study have demonstrated a beneficial effect of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor empagliflozin on cardiovascular outcome in patients with type 2 diabetes. The reduction in cardiovascular mortality and hospitalization due to heart failure might be in part explained by the direct effects of empagliflozin on cardiac diastolic function. The EmDia trial investigates the short-term effects of empagliflozin compared to placebo on the left ventricular E/E' ratio as a surrogate of left ventricular diastolic function.

Methods and Results

EmDia is a single-center, randomized, double-blind, two-arm, placebo-controlled, parallel group study of phase IV. Individuals with diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) are randomized 1:1 to receive empagliflozin 10 mg per day or a placebo for 12 weeks. The main inclusion criteria are diagnosed as T2DM with stable glucose-lowering and/or dietary treatment, elevated HbA1c level (6.5-10.0% if receiving glucose-lowering therapy, or 6.5-9.0% if drug-naive), and diastolic cardiac dysfunction with left ventricular E/E'>=8. The primary end point is the difference of the change in the E/E' ratio by treatment groups after 12 weeks. Secondary end points include assessment of the effect of empagliflozin on left ventricular systolic function, measures of vascular structure and function, as well as humoral cardiovascular biomarkers (i.e. brain natriuretic peptide, troponin, C-reactive protein). In addition, the multidimensional biodatabase enables explorative analyses of molecular biomarkers to gain insights into possible mechanisms of the effects of empagliflozin on human health in a systems medicine-oriented, multiomics approach.

Conclusion

By evaluating the short-term effect of empagliflozin with a comprehensive biobanking program, the EmDia Study offers an opportunity to primarily assess the effects on diastolic function but also to examine effects on clinical and molecular cardiovascular traits.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT02932436. Registration date, 2016/10/13.

Current and future therapeutic perspective in chronic heart failure

The incidence of heart failure is primarily flat or declining for a presumably reflecting better management of cardiovascular diseases, but that of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is probably increasing for the lack of an established effective treatment. Moreover, there is no specific pharmacological treatment for patients with heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) since no substantial prospective randomized clinical trial has been performed exclusively in such population. According to the recent 2021 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines, the triad composed of an Angiotensin Converting Enzyme inhibitor or Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitor (ARNI), a beta-blocker, and a Mineralcorticoid Receptor Antagonist is the cornerstone therapy for all patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) but a substantial gap exists for patients with HFpEF/HFmrEF. Despite the important role of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) in heart failure pathophysiology, RAAS blockers were found ineffective for HFpEF patients. Indeed, even the new drug class of ARNI was found effective only in HFrEF patients. In this regard, a therapeutic alternative may be represented by drug stimulating the non-classic RAAS (ACE2 and A1-7) as well as other emerging drug classes (such as SGLT2 inhibitors). Reflecting on this global health burden and the gap in treatments among heart failure phenotypes, we summarize the leading players of heart failure pathophysiology, the available pharmacological treatments for each heart failure phenotype, and that in future development.

The role of sodium glucose co-transporter inhibitors in heart failure prevention

The worldwide prevalences of diabetes mellitus (DM) and of heart failure (HF) have collectively been on the rise. HF accounts for a large portion of the cardiovascular mortality and morbidity associated with DM. DM increases the risk of developing heart failure by promoting atherosclerosis and exerting direct deleterious effects on the myocardium. Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors are agents approved for the treatment of DM; they exert their anti-hyperglycemic effects by blocking renal reabsorption of glucose and inducing glycosuria. SGLT-2 inhibitors have consistently decreased the hospitalization rate of HF and cardiovascular mortality in several clinical trials. SGLT-2 inhibitors also possess anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and antihypertensive in addition to beneficial effects on the myocardial metabolism, which may account for their heart failure benefits. However, further research still needs to be done to evaluate the use of SGLT-2 inhibitors in non-diabetic patients and their efficacy in preventing or treating different heart failure phenotypes.

Empagliflozin, a sodium glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor, alleviates atrial remodeling and improves mitochondrial function in high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Background

Diabetes mellitus is an important risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF) development. Sodium–glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors are used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Their cardioprotective effects have been reported but whether they prevent AF in T2DM patients are less well-explored. We tested the hypothesis that the SGLT-2 inhibitor, empagliflozin, can prevent atrial remodeling in a diabetic rat model.

Methods

High-fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) treatment were used to induce T2DM. A total of 96 rats were randomized into the following four groups: (i) control (ii) T2DM, (iii) low-dose empagliflozin (10 mg/kg/day)/T2DM; and (iv) high-dose empagliflozin (30 mg/kg/day)/T2DM by the intragastric route for 8 weeks.

Results

Compared with the control group, left atrial diameter, interstitial fibrosis and the incidence of AF inducibility were significantly increased in the DM group. Moreover, atrial mitochondrial respiratory function, mitochondrial membrane potential, and mitochondrial biogenesis were impaired. Empagliflozin treatment significantly prevented the development of these abnormalities in DM rats, likely via the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-c coactivator 1α (PGC-1α)/nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1)/mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam) signaling pathway.

Conclusions

Empagliflozin can ameliorate atrial structural and electrical remodeling as well as improve mitochondrial function and mitochondrial biogenesis in T2DM, hence may be potentially used in the prevention of T2DM-related atrial fibrillation.

Diabetic Cardiomyopathy: An Update of Mechanisms Contributing to This Clinical Entity

Heart failure and related morbidity and mortality are increasing at an alarming rate, in large part, because of increases in aging, obesity, and diabetes mellitus. The clinical outcomes associated with heart failure are considerably worse for patients with diabetes mellitus than for those without diabetes mellitus. In people with diabetes mellitus, the presence of myocardial dysfunction in the absence of overt clinical coronary artery disease, valvular disease, and other conventional cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension and dyslipidemia, has led to the descriptive terminology, diabetic cardiomyopathy. The prevalence of diabetic cardiomyopathy is increasing in parallel with the increase in diabetes mellitus. Diabetic cardiomyopathy is initially characterized by myocardial fibrosis, dysfunctional remodeling, and associated diastolic dysfunction, later by systolic dysfunction, and eventually by clinical heart failure. Impaired cardiac insulin metabolic signaling, mitochondrial dysfunction, increases in oxidative stress, reduced nitric oxide bioavailability, elevations in advanced glycation end products and collagen-based cardiomyocyte and extracellular matrix stiffness, impaired mitochondrial and cardiomyocyte calcium handling, inflammation, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation, cardiac autonomic neuropathy, endoplasmic reticulum stress, microvascular dysfunction, and a myriad of cardiac metabolic abnormalities have all been implicated in the development and progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Molecular mechanisms linked to the underlying pathophysiological changes include abnormalities in AMP-activated protein kinase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, O-linked N-acetylglucosamine, protein kinase C, microRNA, and exosome pathways. The aim of this review is to provide a contemporary view of these instigators of diabetic cardiomyopathy, as well as mechanistically based strategies for the prevention and treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Saudi Heart Association (SHA) guidelines for the management of heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and negatively impacts quality of life, healthcare costs, and longevity. Although data on HF in the Arab population are scarce, recently developed regional registries are a step forward to evaluating the quality of current patient care and providing an overview of the clinical picture. Despite the burden of HF in Saudi Arabia, there are currently no standardized protocols or guidelines for the management of patients with acute or chronic heart failure. Therefore, the Heart Failure Expert Committee, comprising 13 local specialists representing both public and private sectors, has developed guidelines to address the needs and challenges for the diagnosis and treatment of HF in Saudi Arabia. The ultimate aim of these guidelines is to assist healthcare professionals in delivering optimal care and standardized clinical practice across Saudi Arabia.

A complete review of empagliflozin: Most specific and potent SGLT2 inhibitor used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are the latest class of drugs to be introduced for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). They reduce hyperglycemia by increasing urinary glucose excretion and exert favorable effects beyond glucose control with consistent body weight, blood pressure, and serum uric acid reductions. Empagliflozin is a potent SGLT2 inhibitor used to improve glycemic control in adults with T2DM. It has the highest SGLT2 specificity among all the clinically used or currently tested SGLT2 inhibitors. Low risk of hypoglycemia, absence of weight gain and demonstrated cardiovascular risk reduction support its consideration as a first line medication in addition to metformin for patients with T2DM and cardiovascular disease. Mostly reported adverse events are genital mycotic infections, while urinary tract infections and events linked to volume depletion are rather rare. This review covers the complete information on empagliflozin including the history of its development, synthesis, pharmacology and different methods which have been reported for its analysis.

Clinical impact of oral antidiabetic medications in heart failure patients

Heart failure (HF) is a common complication in patients with type 2 diabetes and it is closely associated with high morbidity and mortality rate. The incidence of cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes is related to high levels of glycemia, expressed by increase of HbA1c levels. However, there is little evidence to indicate that glycemic control can reduce the incidence of HF events in this population. Recently, several new antidiabetic drugs have been proposed although the exact clinical impact on heart failure occurrence and deterioration is under debate. Most common oral antidiabetic medication such as SGLT2, GLP-1 receptor agonist, metformin, and DPP4 inhibitor revealed peculiar metabolic and biomolecular signal effects. Moreover, the negative effects of thiazolidinediones on HF prognosis, on cardiac function, and exercise tolerance is of great interest. Conversely, several studies on GLP-1RA have highlighted many positive effects on cardiac myocytes, reducing apoptosis through cAMP/PKA/CRCB-mediated pathways protecting against oxidative stress. DPP-4 inhibitors have a controversial effect: saxagliptin and alogliptin may increase the risk of HF as opposed to vildagliptin and sitagliptin. Metformin increases myocardial ATP levels due to activation of 5-AMPK and this could explain the positive link between the drug and events rate reduction in diabetic patients with HF. The more interesting class of new drugs is SGLT2 inhibitors, that seems to have a positive effect on cardiac function by 38% reduction of HF incidence and mortality with empagliflozin treatment. In this review, we would analyze the specific effects of each class so as to better elucidate the clinical impact of antidiabetic drug on HF for guiding the clinicians in the choice of a best individualized therapy.

Beneficial Effect of the SGLT2 Inhibitor Empagliflozin on Glucose Homeostasis and Cardiovascular Parameters in the Cohen Rosenthal Diabetic Hypertensive (CRDH) Rat

The effectiveness of empagliflozin (EMPA), a sodium glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitor, on the kidney, pancreas, and heart was investigated in the Cohen Rosenthal diabetic hypertensive rat model (CRDH rat). Six-week-old CRDH male rats were fed a sugar diet (SD) and treated with the compound EMPA (group Drug/SD) or respective comparator with vehicle (group Veh/SD). A control group was fed a regular diet without treatment (group Veh/P). Preventive treatment with EMPA was measured during 4 months of follow-up. The treatment effect was evaluated according to results observed after 4 months in group Drug/SD when compared to those in group Veh/SD. Significant effect resulted in the following parameters: enhancement of urinary glucose excretion in association with diuresis; amelioration of postprandial hyperglycemia and fasting blood glucose levels; and decrease in calculated Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) as well as lower systolic and diastolic blood pressures. At the end of treatment, EMPA preserved nephrin integrity in the kidney, reduced proteinuria, and prevented diabetes-induced damage to glomerular diaphragm structure. In the pancreas, EMPA demonstrated an impressive decrease in fatty infiltration and atrophy. Blood pressure was significantly reduced in the EMPA-treated group (15 ± 5.1 mm Hg, P < .05) in contrast to the vehicle and control groups. Finally, compared to controls, EMPA significantly reduced left ventricle (LV) mass and LV systolic dilatation, according to 2-dimensional echocardiography. The importance of the study lies in demonstrating the efficacy of an antidiabetic drug with beneficial effects on blood pressure, weight, kidney, and pancreas and a positive effect on the heart.

Cardiovascular outcomes in diabetic kidney disease: insights from recent clinical trials

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is catalyzing a pandemic in kidney disease, with ensuing cardiovascular complications. The effort to identify antidiabetic agents capable of promoting benefits that go beyond the bounds of glucose control has produced remarkable outcomes in recent cardiovascular outcomes trials in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, many of whom have diabetic kidney disease. Two novel antidiabetic drug classes, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), improve cardiovascular outcomes in different ways, with SGLT2is reducing the risk of heart failure and cardiovascular death and GLP-1 RAs being associated with reduced risk of myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death. Further mechanistic studies and additional cardiovascular outcome trials are ongoing and are expected to determine whether these benefits are a result of class effect, as well as to delineate optimum timing for intervention and population target.

Metabolic Origins of Heart Failure

For more than half a century, metabolic perturbations have been explored in the failing myocardium, highlighting a reversion to a more fetal-like metabolic profile (characterized by depressed fatty acid oxidation and concomitant increased reliance on use of glucose). More recently, alterations in ketone body and amino acid/protein metabolism have been described during heart failure, as well as mitochondrial dysfunction and perturbed metabolic signaling (e.g., acetylation, O-GlcNAcylation). Although numerous mechanisms are likely involved, the current review provides recent advances regarding the metabolic origins of heart failure, and their potential contribution toward contractile dysfunction of the heart.