Dapagliflozin and new-onset type 2 diabetes in patients with chronic kidney disease or heart failure: pooled analysis of the DAPA-CKD and DAPA-HF trials

Lipid Toxicity in the Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome (CKMS)

Recent studies of Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome (CKMS) indicate that elevated concentrations of derivatives of phospholipids (ceramide, sphingosine), oxidized LDL, and lipoproteins (a, b) are toxic to kidney and heart function. Energy production for renal proximal tubule resorption of critical fuels and electrolytes is required for homeostasis. Cardiac energy for ventricular contraction/relaxation is preferentially supplied by long chain fatty acids. Metabolism of long chain fatty acids is accomplished within the cardiomyocyte cytoplasm and mitochondria by means of the glycolytic, tricarboxylic acid, and electron transport cycles. Toxic lipids and excessive lipid concentrations may inhibit cardiac function. Cardiac contraction requires calcium movement from the sarcoplasmic reticulum from a high to a low concentration at relatively low energy cost. Cardiac relaxation involves calcium return to the sarcoplasmic reticulum from a lower to a higher concentration and requires more energy consumption. Diastolic cardiac dysfunction occurs when cardiomyocyte energy conversion is inadequate. Diastolic dysfunction from diminished ATP availability occurs in the presence of inadequate blood pressure, glycemia, or lipid control and may lead to heart failure. Similar disruption of renal proximal tubular resorption of fuels/electrolytes has been found to be associated with phospholipid (sphingolipid) accumulation. Elevated concentrations of tissue oxidized low-density lipoprotein cholesterols are associated with loss of filtration efficiency at the level of the renal glomerular podocyte. Macroscopically excessive deposits of epicardial and intra-nephric adipose are associated with vascular pathology, fibrosis, and inhibition of essential functions in both heart and kidney. Chronic triglyceride accumulation is associated with fibrosis of the liver, cardiac and renal structures. Successful liver, kidney, or cardiac allograft of these vital organs does not eliminate the risk of lipid toxicity. Lipid lowering therapy may assist in protecting vital organ function before and after allograft transplantation.

Epidemiology and Prognostic Implications of Coronary Artery Calcium in Asymptomatic Individuals With Prediabetes: A Multicohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To describe the epidemiology and prognostic value of coronary artery calcium (CAC) in individuals with prediabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We pooled participants free of clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) from four prospective cohorts: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study, Framingham Heart Study, and Jackson Heart Study. Two definitions were used for prediabetes: inclusive (fasting plasma glucose [FPG] ≥100 to <126 mg/dL and hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c] ≥5.7% to <6.5%, if available, and no glucose-lowering medications) and restrictive (FPG ≥110 to <126 mg/dL and HbA1c ≥5.7% to <6.5%, if available, among participants not taking glucose-lowering medications).

RESULTS

The study included 13,376 participants (mean age 58 years; 54% women; 57% White; 27% Black). The proportions with CAC ≥100 were 17%, 22%, and 37% in those with euglycemia, prediabetes, and diabetes, respectively. Over a median (25th-75th percentile) follow-up time of 14.6 (interquartile range 7.8-16.4) years, individuals with prediabetes and CAC ≥100 had a higher unadjusted 10-year incidence of ASCVD (13.4%) than the overall group of those with diabetes (10.6%). In adjusted analyses, using the inclusive definition of prediabetes, compared with euglycemia, the hazard ratios (HRs) for ASCVD were 0.79 (95% CI 0.62, 1.01) for prediabetes and CAC 0, 0.70 (0.54, 0.89) for prediabetes and CAC 1-99, 1.54 (1.27, 1.88) for prediabetes and CAC ≥100, and 1.64 (1.39, 1.93) for diabetes. Using the restrictive definition, the HR for ASCVD was 1.63 (1.29, 2.06) for prediabetes and CAC ≥100.

CONCLUSIONS

CAC ≥100 is frequent among individuals with prediabetes and identifies a high ASCVD risk subgroup in which the adjusted ASCVD risk is similar to that in individuals with diabetes.

Cost Effectiveness of Dapagliflozin for Heart Failure Across the Spectrum of Ejection Fraction: An Economic Evaluation Based on Pooled, Individual Participant Data From the DELIVER and DAPA-HF Trials

BACKGROUND

The sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors are guideline-recommended to treat heart failure across the spectrum of left ventricular ejection fraction; however, economic evaluations of adding sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors to standard of care in chronic heart failure across a broad left ventricular ejection fraction range are lacking.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We conducted a US-based cost-effectiveness analysis of dapagliflozin added to standard of care in a chronic heart failure population using pooled, participant data from the DAPA-HF (Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse Outcomes in Heart Failure) and DELIVER (Dapagliflozin Evaluation to Improve the Lives of Patients With Preserved Ejection Fraction Heart Failure) trials. The 3-state Markov model used estimates of transitional probabilities, effectiveness of dapagliflozin, and utilities from the pooled trials. Costs estimates were obtained from published sources, including published rebates in dapagliflozin cost. Adding dapagliflozin to standard of care was estimated to produce an additional 0.53 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) compared with standard of care alone. Incremental cost effectiveness ratios were $85 554/QALY when using the publicly reported full (undiscounted) Medicare cost ($515/month) and $40 081/QALY, at a published nearly 50% rebate ($263/month). The addition of dapagliflozin to standard of care would be of at least intermediate value (<$150 000/QALY) at a cost of <$872.58/month, of high value (<$50 000/QALY) at <$317.66/month, and cost saving at <$40.25/month. Dapagliflozin was of at least intermediate value in 92% of simulations when using the full (undiscounted) Medicare list cost in probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Cost effectiveness was most sensitive to the dapagliflozin cost and the effect on cardiovascular death.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of dapagliflozin to standard of care in patients with heart failure across the spectrum of ejection fraction was at least of intermediate value at the undiscounted Medicare cost and may be potentially of higher value on the basis of the level of discount, rebates, and price negotiations offered.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifiers: NCT01035255 & NCT01920711.

Treat Obesity to Treat Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Obesity, a multifactorial, relapsing chronic disease, serves as a gateway to a spectrum of metabolic, cardiovascular, mechanical and mental health problems. Over the last few decades, the global prevalence of obesity has surged nearly threefold, mirroring the escalating rates of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This parallel trajectory strongly suggests a cause-and-effect relationship between obesity and T2DM. Extensive research indicates that even modest weight gain elevates the risk of T2DM, favoring the notion of obesity being a root cause. This perspective finds robust support in numerous studies demonstrating the preventive effects of obesity management on the onset of T2DM. Beyond prevention, obesity management has been shown to enhance remission in individuals with T2DM and to decrease microvascular complications, cardiovascular risk factors, renal failure and heart failure. This evidence underpins the urgent need for global initiatives aimed at addressing obesity management as a key strategy in the prevention and management of T2DM and its complications.

Elucidating the cardioprotective mechanisms of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors beyond glycemic control

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have emerged as a pivotal intervention in diabetes management, offering significant cardiovascular benefits. Empagliflozin, in particular, has demonstrated cardioprotective effects beyond its glucose-lowering action, reducing heart failure hospitalizations and improving cardiac function. Of note, the cardioprotective mechanisms appear to be inde-pendent of glucose lowering, possibly mediated through several mechanisms involving shifts in cardiac metabolism and anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative pathways. This editorial summarizes the multifaceted cardiovascular advantages of SGLT2 inhibitors, highlighting the need for further research to elucidate their full therapeutic potential in cardiac care.

Dapagliflozin in Myocardial Infarction without Diabetes or Heart Failure

BACKGROUND: In patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI), therapies that could further reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes are needed. METHODS: In this international registry-based, randomized, double-blind trial, patients without prior diabetes or chronic heart failure, presenting with acute MI and impaired left ventricular systolic function, were randomly assigned 10 mg of dapagliflozin or placebo, given once daily. The primary outcome was the hierarchical composite of death, hospitalization for heart failure, nonfatal MI, atrial fibrillation/flutter, type 2 diabetes mellitus, New York Heart Association Functional Classification at the last visit, and body weight decrease of 5% or greater at the last visit using the win ratio analysis method. The key secondary outcome was the same hierarchical composite excluding the body weight component. RESULTS: We enrolled 4017 patients of whom 2019 were assigned to dapagliflozin and 1998 to placebo. The analysis of the primary hierarchical composite outcome resulted in significantly more wins for dapagliflozin than for placebo (win ratio, 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20 to 1.50; P<0.001). The win ratio outcome, which was adopted in a change of analysis during trial performance because of low event accrual, was mainly driven by the added cardiometabolic outcomes. The composite of time to cardiovascular death/hospitalization for heart failure occurred in 50/2019 (2.5%) patients assigned to dapagliflozin and 52/1998 (2.6%) patients assigned to placebo (hazard ratio, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.64 to 1.40). The rates of other cardiovascular events were low, with differences between the groups not reaching nominal statistical significance. No safety concerns were identified. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with acute MI as noted above, after approximately 1 year of treatment with dapagliflozin there were significant benefits with regard to improvement in cardiometabolic outcomes but no impact on the composite of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure compared with placebo. (Funded by AstraZeneca; ClinicalTrial.gov number, NCT04564742.)

Rationale and design of the DAPA-MI trial: Dapagliflozin in patients without diabetes mellitus with acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Therapies that could further prevent the development of heart failure (HF) and other cardiovascular and metabolic events in patients with recent myocardial infarction (MI) represent a large and unmet medical need.

METHODS

DAPA-MI is a multicenter, parallel-group, registry-based, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial in patients without known diabetes or established HF, presenting with MI and impaired left ventricular systolic function or Q-wave MI. The trial evaluated the effect of dapagliflozin 10 mg vs placebo, given once daily in addition to standard of care therapy, on death, hospitalization for HF (HHF), and other cardiometabolic outcomes. The primary objective of the trial was to determine, using the win-ratio method, if dapagliflozin is superior to placebo by comparing the hierarchical composite outcome of death, HHF, nonfatal MI, atrial fibrillation/flutter, new onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus, HF symptoms as measured by New York Heart Association Functional Classification at last visit, and body weight decrease ≥5% at last visit. Assuming a true win-ratio of 1.20 between dapagliflozin and placebo, 4,000 patients provide a statistical power of 80% for the test of the primary composite outcome. A registry-based randomized controlled trial framework allowed for recruitment, randomization, blinding, and pragmatic data collection of baseline demographics, medications, and clinical outcomes using existing national clinical registries (in Sweden and the UK) integrated with the trial database.

CONCLUSIONS

The trial explores opportunities to improve further the outcome of patients with impaired LV function after MI. The innovative trial design of DAPA-MI, incorporating national clinical registry data, has facilitated efficient patient recruitment as well as outcome ascertainment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT04564742.

Current Role of SLGT2 Inhibitors in the Management of the Whole Spectrum of Heart Failure: Focus on Dapagliflozin

Heart failure (HF) is associated with a high morbidity and mortality burden. In light of more recent evidence, SGLT2 inhibitors are currently recommended as first-line therapy in managing patients with HF, regardless of ejection fraction, to reduce HF burden. The DAPA-HF and DELIVER trials, and particularly, the pooled analysis of both studies, have shown that dapagliflozin significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular death, all-cause death, total HF hospitalizations, and MACE in the whole spectrum of HF, with sustained benefits over time. Recent data have shown that the full implementation of dapagliflozin in clinical practice would translate into a robust reduction in hospitalizations for HF and death in real-life populations. Many pathophysiological mechanisms have been involved in these benefits, particularly the positive effects of dapagliflozin on reversing cardiac (atrial and ventricular) remodeling, reducing cardiac fibrosis and inflammation, and improving endothelial dysfunction. In this manuscript, we reviewed from a practical point of view the role of dapagliflozin in the management of the whole spectrum of patients with HF.

Deficiencies in the Recognition and Reporting of Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus; A Hungarian Nationwide Analysis

Objectives: Recognition of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is crucial in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We conducted a nationwide epidemiological study to evaluate T2DM-associated CKD in Hungary between 2016 and 2020. Methods: Annual incidence and prevalence rates of registered CKD amongst all pharmacologically treated T2DM patients were analyzed in different age-groups by the central database of the Hungarian Health Insurance Fund Management. Statistical methods included Poisson regression, Bonferroni test, Chi-square test. Results: We found 499,029 T2DM patients and 48,902 CKD patients in 2016, and 586,075 T2DM patients and 38,347 CKD patients in 2020. The majority of all prevalent T2DM and CKD patients were older (aged 60-69 years: 34.1% and 25.8%; ≥70 years: 36.1% and 64.4%, respectively). The annual incidence of T2DM and incidence rates of CKD in T2DM decreased in 2017-2020 (p < 0.001). The annual prevalence of T2DM increased (p < 0.01), the prevalence rates of CKD in T2DM were low and decreased from 9.8% to 6.5% in 2016-2020 (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Incidence and prevalence of T2DM-associated CKD decreased significantly in Hungary in 2016-2020. Lower prevalence rates of CKD may suggest under-recognition and/or under-reporting.

Metformin: A Review of Potential Mechanism and Therapeutic Utility Beyond Diabetes

Metformin has been designated as one of the most crucial first-line therapeutic agents in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Primarily being an antihyperglycemic agent, metformin also has a plethora of pleiotropic effects on various systems and processes. It acts majorly by activating AMPK (Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase) in the cells and reducing glucose output from the liver. It also decreases advanced glycation end products and reactive oxygen species production in the endothelium apart from regulating the glucose and lipid metabolism in the cardiomyocytes, hence minimizing the cardiovascular risks. Its anticancer, antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing effects on malignant cells might prove instrumental in the malignancy of organs like the breast, kidney, brain, ovary, lung, and endometrium. Preclinical studies have also shown some evidence of metformin's neuroprotective role in Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis and Huntington's disease. Metformin exerts its pleiotropic effects through varied pathways of intracellular signalling and exact mechanism in the majority of them remains yet to be clearly defined. This article has extensively reviewed the therapeutic benefits of metformin and the details of its mechanism for a molecule of boon in various conditions like diabetes, prediabetes, obesity, polycystic ovarian disease, metabolic derangement in HIV, various cancers and aging.

New-onset diabetes with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors in prediabetes: An updated meta-analysis and possible mechanisms

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis studied the effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on new-onset diabetes (NOD) in adults with prediabetes having chronic kidney disease and heart failure. In light of other large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of SGLT2i published after this meta-analysis that also reported the NOD outcome in adults with prediabetes, it is of interest to update the NOD outcome with SGLT2i.

METHODS

A systemic search in the PubMed and Embase electronic database was made until March 31, 2023, using specific MeSH keywords following PRISMA protocol. Subsequently, we conducted a meta-analysis using the random effects model while applying the inverse variance-weighted averages of pooled logarithmic hazard ratio (HR). Heterogeneity was measured using Higgins I² and Cochrane Q statistics and publication bias was evaluated by applying funnel plots. A sensitivity exclusion analysis was additionally made.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis of five RCTs (N = 6752) found a significant reduction in NOD (HR 0.81; 95% CI, 0.69-0.94; P = 0.005) with SGLT2i in adults with prediabetes without any heterogeneity (I² = 0%).

CONCLUSIONS

SGLT2i has the potential to reduce NOD in adults with prediabetes. Since no effect on HbA1c reduction was seen in adults with prediabetes in all five RCTs included in this meta-analysis, it is conceivable that reduction in NOD is not related to the masking of blood glucose exerted by SGLT2i. However, only an adequately powered trial of SGLT2i in people with prediabetes with a sufficient wash-out period will confirm these findings.

Dapagliflozin delays renal fibrosis in diabetic kidney disease by inhibiting YAP/TAZ activation

In diabetic kidney disease (DKD), the long-term hyperactivation of yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional coactivator PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) in renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTCs) plays an important role in progressive tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) is highly expressed in RPTCs, but its relationship with YAP/TAZ in tubulointerstitial fibrosis in DKD is still unknown. The purpose of this study was to clarify whether the SGLT2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) dapagliflozin could alleviate renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in DKD by regulating YAP/TAZ. We examined 58 patients with DKD confirmed by renal biopsy and found that the expression and nuclear translocation of YAP/TAZ increased with the exacerbation of chronic kidney disease classification. In models of DKD, dapagliflozin showed similar effects to verteporfin, an inhibitor of YAP/TAZ, in reducing the activation of YAP/TAZ and downregulating the expression of their target genes, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and amphiregulin in vivo and in vitro. Silencing SGLT2 also confirmed this effect. Importantly, dapagliflozin showed a better effect than verteporfin in inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis in the kidney in DKD rats. Taken together, this study proved for the first time that dapagliflozin delayed tubulointerstitial fibrosis at least partly by inhibiting YAP/TAZ activation, which further enriched the antifibrotic effect of SGLT2i.

Dapagliflozin ameliorates diabetic renal injury through suppressing the self-perpetuating cycle of inflammation mediated by HMGB1 feedback signaling in the kidney

Dapagliflozin, the Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor class of glucose-lowering agents, has shown the significantly nephroprotective effects to reduce the risk of kidney failure in diabetes. However, the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood to explain the beneficial effects of dapagliflozin on kidney function. Here, we demonstrated that the administered of dapagliflozin for 12 weeks improved the proteinuria, histomorphology damage, oxidative stress, and macrophage infiltrations in the kidney of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. Meanwhile, dapagliflozin attenuated the renal inflammation and fibrosis by reducing the pro-inflammatory factors interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and anti-fiber factor fibronectin (FN) and elevating the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10. Our data revealed that dapagliflozin exerted anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the activation of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1)/TLR2/4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Consistently, we found that dapagliflozin suppressed the expression of HMGB1 and downstream TLR2/4/NF-κB signaling proteins in the human proximal tubular (HK-2) stimulated by high glucose and lipids or HMGB1 and RAW264.7 cells stimulated by IL-1β, respectively. Further experiments were performed in the indirect co-culture model of RAW264.7 and HK-2 cells induced by high glucose and lipids. The results again confirmed the effects of dapagliflozin on alleviating inflammatory response and regulating the proportions of M1/M2 macrophage. It is indicated that the feedback signaling of HMGB1 between the tubules and macrophage involves in the persistence of the inflammation. These data demonstrate that dapagliflozin suppress the self-perpetuating inflammation by blocking the feedback loop of HMGB1 in the kidney, which contribute to ameliorate the renal injury in diabetes.

Utilizing type 2 diabetes medications outside glycemic parameters - where are we headed?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Glucose-lowering medications have become strong choices for purposes beyond glucose control in both patients with and without type 2 diabetes. Recent studies have explored the use of specific glucose-lowering therapies in areas such as cardiovascular disease, renal disease, obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and Alzheimer's disease, among others. This begs the question if glycemic parameters should be the sole criteria utilized for initiation of diabetes therapeutic agents.

RECENT FINDINGS

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists in particular have demonstrated significant benefits beyond glucose control, with each demonstrating improvement, to various extent, on cardiovascular and renal outcomes, disease-modifying weight loss, progression from prediabetes, and treatment of NAFLD by ameliorating inflammation.

SUMMARY

Clinical practice guidelines have been updated to reflect the use of these medications to achieve cardiometabolic, renal, and weight goals in addition to glycemic control. The success of glucose-lowering medications in the aforementioned areas have informed the research pursuits in investigating these agents for their anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and lipotoxic reduction effects in other diseases entirely.

Evolution of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors from a glucose-lowering drug to a pivotal therapeutic agent for cardio-renal-metabolic syndrome

Cardio-renal-metabolic (CRM) syndrome, which involves type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and heart failure (HF), is a serious healthcare issue globally, with high morbidity and mortality. The disorders that comprise CRM syndrome are independent can mutually affect and accelerate the exacerbation of each other, thereby substantially increasing the risk of mortality and impairing quality of life. To manage CRM syndrome by preventing vicious interactions among individual disorders, a holistic treatment approach that can simultaneously address multiple disorders underpinning CRM syndrome is of great importance. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) lower blood glucose levels by inhibiting glucose reabsorption in the renal proximal tubule and were first indicated for the treatment of T2DM. Several cardiovascular outcome trials have demonstrated that SGLT2i not only lower blood glucose but also reduce the risk of hospitalization for HF and worsening renal function in patients with T2DM. Results have also suggested that the observed cardiorenal benefits of SGLT2i may be independent of their blood glucose-lowering effects. Several randomized controlled trials subsequently assessed the efficacy and safety of SGLT2i in patients without T2DM, and revealed considerable benefits of SGLT2i treatment against HF and CKD, regardless of the presence of T2DM. Thus, SGLT2i have become an essential therapeutic option to prevent the onset, slow the progression, and improve the prognosis of CRM syndrome. This review assesses the evolution of SGLT2i from a glucose-lowering drug to a therapeutic agent for CRM syndrome by evaluating epoch-making clinical studies, including randomized control trials and real-world studies.

Pharmacological approaches to the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus

About 1 in 10 adults worldwide are estimated to have diabetes mellitus. They are at risk of developing life-threatening complications resulting in reduced quality of life, increased mortality and higher healthcare costs. The ability to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by modifying some of its risk factors has been hypothesized for decades. The long and often gradual time-course of increasing dysglycemia prior to diabetes diagnosis suggests that interventions during that period could be effective in preventing T2DM. In addition to lifestyle modifications, certain drugs prevent or slow development of hyperglycemia. Recently, drugs used for obesity management were shown to prevent T2DM. In this review, we discuss various pharmacotherapeutic options for preventing T2DM.

The Importance of SGLT-2 Inhibitors as Both the Prevention and the Treatment of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

According to the 2021 report of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), there have been approximately 573 million cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among adults, which sets the disease as a major concern in healthcare worldwide. The development of T2DM is strongly promoted by unhealthy lifestyle factors associated with urbanization and western civilization. The disease is associated with a broad list of systemic complications that can result in premature death, disability and significantly reduced quality of life. The most dramatic in their consequences are cardiovascular complications of T2DM. Our work focuses on one such complication that is specific for diabetes, named diabetic cardiomyopathy (DC). In this condition cardiac dysfunction occurs despite the absence of underlying hypertension, coronary artery disease and valvular disease, which suggest a leading role for metabolic disturbances as a cause. We aimed to establish the role of relatively new hypoglycaemic drugs that have taken the medical world by storm with their broad pleiotropic effects-SGLT-2 inhibitors-in the prevention and treatment of DC at any stage.

Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors and New-onset Type 2 Diabetes in Adults With Prediabetes: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

CONTEXT

The preventive effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors for new-onset diabetes was investigated in secondary analyses of several randomized controlled trials (RCTs). However, the results were inconsistent.

OBJECTIVE

This work aimed to synthesize available evidence and evaluate whether SGLT2 inhibitors are effective in preventing new-onset diabetes.

METHODS

In this systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched through February 11, 2022. Two independent authors screened the search results and extracted summary data from eligible RCTs (including original and post hoc analyses) comparing SGLT2 inhibitors and placebo for the risk of new-onset diabetes among adults with prediabetes. Meta-analysis was conducted using random-effects models to calculate risk ratios and 95% CIs.

RESULTS

We included 4 RCTs with 5655 participants who had prediabetes. Based on the random-effects meta-analysis, SGLT2 inhibitors were significantly associated with a lower risk of new-onset diabetes (relative risk, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.68-0.93). The relative risks of new-onset diabetes in dapagliflozin and empagliflozin were 0.68 (95% CI, 0.52-0.89) and 0.87 (95% CI, 0.72-1.04), respectively (P-for-heterogeneity = .14). The frequency of severe hypoglycemia was not elevated in the SGLT2 inhibitors group compared to the placebo group.

CONCLUSION

In this meta-analysis, SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with a reduced risk of new-onset type 2 diabetes among adults with prediabetes and heart failure or chronic kidney disease. These findings indicate the potential usefulness of SGLT2 inhibitors in preventing diabetes among high-risk populations with prediabetes.

Clinical Evaluation of Dapagliflozin in the Management of CKD: Focus on Patient Selection and Clinical Perspectives

Dapagliflozin is a selective sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor that was recently approved in the USA and the EU for the treatment of adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) with or without diabetes mellitus (DM). The DAPA-CKD trial showed a 39% decline in the risk of worsening kidney function, onset of end-stage kidney disease, or kidney failure-related death. Patients with lower levels of eGFR and higher levels of albuminuria are among those who stand to gain the greatest absolute benefits. These benefits were similar in both patients with or without diabetes, thus undermining the hypothesis that these drugs mitigate glycemia-related nephrotoxicity. Suggested mechanisms for renal protection include hemodynamic effects; BP reduction and improving salt sensitivities and metabolic effects; and glucose, uric acid and triglycerides (TG)-lowering effects. There have been already many excellent reviews on dapagliflozin and CKD management. Most of them cover both efficacy and safety. This review will focus on clinical perspectives and patient selection for the practicing clinician.

SGLT2 Inhibition, Choline Metabolites, and Cardiometabolic Diseases: A Mediation Mendelian Randomization Study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the causal role of choline metabolites mediating sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibition in coronary artery disease (CAD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) using Mendelian randomization (MR).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A two-sample two-step MR was used to determine 1) causal effects of SGLT2 inhibition on CAD and T2D; 2) causal effects of three choline metabolites, total choline, phosphatidylcholine, and glycine, on CAD and T2D; and 3) mediation effects of these metabolites. Genetic proxies for SGLT2 inhibition were identified as variants in the SLC5A2 gene that were associated with both levels of gene expression and hemoglobin A1c. Summary statistics for metabolites were from UK Biobank, CAD from CARDIoGRAMplusC4D (Coronary ARtery DIsease Genome wide Replication and Meta-analysis [CARDIoGRAM] plus The Coronary Artery Disease [C4D] Genetics) consortium, and T2D from DIAbetes Genetics Replication And Meta-analysis (DIAGRAM) and the FinnGen study.

RESULTS

SGLT2 inhibition (per 1 SD, 6.75 mmol/mol [1.09%] lowering of HbA1c) was associated with lower risk of T2D and CAD (odds ratio [OR] 0.25 [95% CI 0.12, 0.54], and 0.51 [0.28, 0.94], respectively) and positively with total choline (β 0.39 [95% CI 0.06, 0.72]), phosphatidylcholine (0.40 [0.13, 0.67]), and glycine (0.34 [0.05, 0.63]). Total choline (OR 0.78 [95% CI 0.68, 0.89]) and phosphatidylcholine (OR 0.81 [0.72, 0.91]) were associated with T2D but not with CAD, while glycine was associated with CAD (0.94 [0.91, 0.98]) but not with T2D. Mediation analysis showed evidence of indirect effect of SGLT2 inhibition on T2D through total choline (0.91 [0.83, 0.99]) and phosphatidylcholine (0.93 [0.87, 0.99]) with a mediated proportion of 8% and 5% of the total effect, respectively, and on CAD through glycine (0.98 [0.96, 1.00]) with a mediated proportion of 2%. The results were well validated in at least one independent data set.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study identified the causal roles of SGLT2 inhibition in choline metabolites. SGLT2 inhibition may influence T2D and CAD through different choline metabolites.

Repurposing SGLT-2 Inhibitors to Target Aging: Available Evidence and Molecular Mechanisms

Caloric restriction promotes longevity in multiple animal models. Compounds modulating nutrient-sensing pathways have been suggested to reproduce part of the beneficial effect of caloric restriction on aging. However, none of the commonly studied caloric restriction mimetics actually produce a decrease in calories. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2-i) are a class of drugs which lower glucose by promoting its elimination through urine, thus inducing a net loss of calories. This effect promotes a metabolic shift at the systemic level, fostering ketones and fatty acids utilization as glucose-alternative substrates, and is accompanied by a modulation of major nutrient-sensing pathways held to drive aging, e.g., mTOR and the inflammasome, overall resembling major features of caloric restriction. In addition, preliminary experimental data suggest that SGLT-2i might also have intrinsic activities independent of their systemic effects, such as the inhibition of cellular senescence. Consistently, evidence from both preclinical and clinical studies have also suggested a marked ability of SGLT-2i to ameliorate low-grade inflammation in humans, a relevant driver of aging commonly referred to as inflammaging. Considering also the amount of data from clinical trials, observational studies, and meta-analyses suggesting a tangible effect on age-related outcomes, such as cardiovascular diseases, heart failure, kidney disease, and all-cause mortality also in patients without diabetes, here we propose a framework where at least part of the benefit provided by SGLT-2i is mediated by their ability to blunt the drivers of aging. To support this postulate, we synthesize available data relative to the effect of this class on: 1- animal models of healthspan and lifespan; 2- selected molecular pillars of aging in preclinical models; 3- biomarkers of aging and especially inflammaging in humans; and 4- COVID-19-related outcomes. The burden of evidence might prompt the design of studies testing the potential employment of this class as anti-aging drugs.

SGLT2 Inhibitors in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and Heart Disease: A Literature Review

Sodium-glucose transport protein 2 inhibitors, commonly referred to as SGLT2i, are a group of prescription pharmaceuticals that are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for use with diet and exercise to lower blood glucose in adults with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is a well-recognized major contributor to cardiovascular and renal disease burden. In addition to blood glucose control, SGLT2i have been shown to provide significant cardiovascular and renoprotective benefits in patients with and without diabetes. In this review, we describe current evidence related to the renal and cardiovascular benefits of using SGLT2i.

Review of SGLT2i for the Treatment of Renal Complications: Experience in Patients with and Without T2D

The management of type 2 diabetes (T2D) involves decreasing plasma glucose levels and reducing cardiovascular and microvascular complications. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), defined as presence of albuminuria, impaired glomerular filtration, or both, is an insidious microvascular complication of diabetes that generates a substantial personal and clinical burden. The progressive reduction in renal function and increased albuminuria results in an increase of cardiovascular events. Thus, patients with DKD require exhaustive control of the associated cardiovascular risk factors. People with diabetes and renal impairment have fewer options of antidiabetic drugs because of contraindications, adverse effects, or altered pharmacokinetics. Sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) reduce blood glucose concentrations by blocking the uptake of sodium and glucose in the proximal tubule and promoting glycosuria, and these agents now have an important role in the management of T2D. The results of several cardiovascular outcomes trials suggested that SGLT2i are associated with improvements in renal endpoints in addition to their reduction in cardiovascular events and mortality, which represents a major advance in the care of this population. The dedicated kidney outcomes trials have confirmed the renoprotective action of SGLT2i across different glomerular filtration and albuminuria values, even in patients with non-diabetic chronic kidney disease. Notably, this improvement in kidney function may indirectly benefit cardiac function through multifaceted interorgan cross talk, which can break the cardiorenal vicious circle linked to T2D. In this article, we briefly review the different mechanisms of action that may explain the renal beneficial effects of SGLT2i and disclose the results of the key renal outcome trials and the subsequent update of related clinical guidelines.

Epidemiology of the diabetes-cardio-renal spectrum: a cross-sectional report of 1.4 million adults

Background

Type-2 diabetes (T2D), chronic kidney disease, and heart failure (HF) share epidemiological and pathophysiological features. Although their prevalence was described, there is limited contemporary, high-resolution, epidemiological data regarding the overlap among them. We aimed to describe the epidemiological intersections between T2D, HF, and kidney dysfunction in an entire database, overall and by age and sex.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional analysis of adults ≥ 25 years, registered in 2019 at Maccabi Healthcare Services, a large healthcare maintenance organization in Israel. Collected data included sex, age, presence of T2D or HF, and last estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in the past two years. Subjects with T2D, HF, or eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² were defined as within the diabetes-cardio-renal (DCR) spectrum.

Results

Overall, 1,389,604 subjects (52.2% females) were included; 445,477 (32.1%) were 25– < 40 years, 468,273 (33.7%) were 40– < 55 years, and 475,854 (34.2%) were ≥ 55 years old. eGFR measurements were available in 74.7% of the participants and in over 97% of those with T2D or HF. eGFR availability increased in older age groups. There were 140,636 (10.1%) patients with T2D, 54,187 (3.9%) with eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m², and 11,605 (0.84%) with HF. Overall, 12.6% had at least one condition within the DCR spectrum, 2.0% had at least two, and 0.23% had all three. Cardiorenal syndrome (both HF and eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m²) was prevalent in 0.40% of the entire population and in 2.3% of those with T2D. In patients with both HF and T2D, 55.2% had eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m² and 15.8% had eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73m². Amongst those within the DCR spectrum, T2D was prominent in younger participants, but was gradually replaced by HF and eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m² with increasing age. The congruence between all three conditions increased with age.

Conclusions

This large, broad-based study provides a contemporary, high-resolution prevalence of the DCR spectrum and its components. The results highlight differences in dominance and degree of congruence between T2D, HF, and kidney dysfunction across ages.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12933-022-01521-9.

Preventing all-cause hospitalizations in type 2 diabetes with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists: A narrative review and proposed clinical approach

Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are at increased risk for hospital admissions, and acute hospitalizations are associated with a worse prognosis. However, outcomes related to all-cause hospital admissions (ACHAs) were often overlooked in trials that demonstrated the cardiovascular and kidney benefits of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs). This review includes a contemporary literature summary of emerging data regarding the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1RAs on ACHAs. The role of SGLT2 inhibitors in preventing ACHAs was shown in exploratory investigations of several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and was further supported by real-world evidence (RWE). However, the association between GLP-1RA use and lower ACHA risk was mainly shown through RWE, with minimal available RCT data. We also discuss the advantages and challenges of studying ACHAs. Finally, we propose an easily memorized ("ABCDE" acronym) clinical approach to evaluating T2D status and treatment in admitted patients, as they transition from hospital to community care. This systematic approach may assist clinicians in recognizing possible pitfalls in T2D management, thereby preventing subsequent hospitalizations and improving patient prognoses. While acute admission can sometimes be perceived as a management failure, it should also be viewed as an opportunity to take action to prevent the next hospitalization.

Can SGLT2 inhibitors answer unmet therapeutic needs in chronic kidney disease?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health problem, affecting more than 850 million people worldwide. The number of patients receiving renal replacement therapy (dialysis or renal transplantation) has increased over the years, and it has been estimated that the number of people receiving renal replacement therapy will more than double from 2.618 million in 2010 to 5.439 million in 2030, with wide differences among countries. The main focus of CKD treatment has now become preserving renal function rather than replacing it. This is possible, at least to some extent, through the optimal use of multifactorial therapy aimed at preventing end-stage kidney disease and cardiovascular events. Sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) reduce glomerular hypertension and albuminuria with beneficial effects on progression of renal damage in both diabetic and non-diabetic CKD. SGLT2 inhibitors also show great benefits in cardiovascular protection, irrespective of diabetes. Therefore, the use of these drugs will likely be extended to the whole CKD population as a new standard of care.

Effects of Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter-2 Inhibitors on Pancreatic β-Cell Mass and Function

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) not only have antihyperglycemic effects and are associated with a low risk of hypoglycemia but also have protective effects in organs, including the heart and kidneys. The pathophysiology of diabetes involves chronic hyperglycemia, which causes excessive demands on pancreatic β-cells, ultimately leading to decreases in β-cell mass and function. Because SGLT2is ameliorate hyperglycemia without acting directly on β-cells, they are thought to prevent β-cell failure by reducing glucose overload in this cell type. Several studies have shown that treatment with an SGLT2i increases β-cell proliferation and/or reduces β-cell apoptosis, resulting in the preservation of β-cell mass in animal models of diabetes. In addition, many clinical trials have shown that that SGLT2is improve β-cell function in individuals with type 2 diabetes. In this review, the preclinical and clinical data regarding the effects of SGLT2is on pancreatic β-cell mass and function are summarized and the protective effect of SGLT2is in β-cells is discussed.