The kidney and cardiovascular outcome trials

Effect of DPP-4i inhibitors on renal function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIMS

About 20-40% patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) had an increased risk of developing diabetic nephropathy (DN). Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4i) were recommended for treatment of T2DM, while the impact of DPP-4i on renal function remained unclear. This study aimed to explore the effect of DPP-4i on renal parameter of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) in T2DM.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed across PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library. A fixed or random-effects model was used for quantitative synthesis according to the heterogeneity, which was assessed with I2 index. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias were performed with standard methods, respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 17 randomized controlled trials were identified. Administration of DPP-4i produced no significant effect on eGFR (WMD, -0.92 mL/min/1.73m2, 95% CI, -2.04 to 0.19) in diabetic condition. DPP-4i produced a favorable effect on attenuating ACR (WMD, -2.76 mg/g, 95% CI, -5.23 to -0.29) in patients with T2DM. The pooled estimate was stable based on the sensitivity test. No publication bias was observed according to Begg's and Egger's tests.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with DPP-4i preserved the renal parameter of eGFR in diabetic condition. Available evidences suggested that administration of DPP-4i produced a favorable effect on attenuating ACR in patients with T2DM. INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTIVE REGISTER FOR SYSTEMATIC REVIEW (PROSPERO) NUMBER: CRD.42020144642.

Consensus of Chinese experts on strengthening personalized prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes

Up to now, there has not yet been guidance or consensus from Chinese experts in the field of personalized prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. In view of the above, the endocrinology diabetes Professional Committee of Chinese Non-government Medical Institutions Association, the integrated endocrinology diabetes Professional Committee of the integrated medicine branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, and the diabetes education and microvascular complications group of the diabetes branch of the Chinese Medical Association organized relevant experts to discuss and reach the "Chinese expert consensus on strengthening personalized prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes" for reference in clinical practice.

The cardiovascular and renal effects of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists in patients with advanced diabetic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

To determine whether glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have cardiovascular and renal protective effects in patients with advanced diabetic kidney disease (DKD) with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 30 mL/min per 1.73 m².

METHODS

In this cohort study, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and eGFR < 30 mL/min per 1.73 m² with a first prescription for GLP-1RAs or dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP-4is) from 2012 to 2021 (n = 125,392) were enrolled. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to assess the cardiorenal protective effects between the GLP-1RA and DDP-4i groups.

RESULTS

A total of 8922 participants [mean (SD) age 68.4 (11.5) years; 4516 (50.6%) males; GLP-1RAs, n = 759; DPP-4is, n = 8163] were eligible for this study. During a mean follow-up of 2.1 years, 78 (13%) and 204 (13.8%) patients developed composite cardiovascular events in the GLP-1RA and DPP-4i groups, respectively [hazard ratio (HR) 0.88, 95% confidence interval CI 0.68-1.13]. Composite kidney events were reported in 134 (38.2%) and 393 (44.2%) patients in the GLP-1RA and DPP-4i groups, respectively (subdistribution HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.56-0.93).

CONCLUSIONS

GLP-1RAs had a neutral effect on the composite cardiovascular outcomes but reduced composite kidney events in the patients with advanced DKD compared with DPP-4is.

Pharmacotherapy of type 2 diabetes: An update and future directions

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a widely prevalent disease with substantial economic and social impact for which multiple conventional and novel pharmacotherapies are currently available; however, the landscape of T2D treatment is constantly changing as new therapies emerge and the understanding of currently available agents deepens. This review aims to provide an updated summary of the pharmacotherapeutic approach to T2D. Each class of agents is presented by mechanism of action, details of administration, side effect profile, cost, and use in certain populations including heart failure, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, chronic kidney disease, and older individuals. We also review targets of novel therapeutic T2D agent development. Finally, we outline an up-to-date treatment approach that starts with identification of an individualized goal for glycemic control then selection, initiation, and further intensification of a personalized therapeutic plan for T2D.

Predictors of residual coronary artery disease after PPCI in diabetic patients with STEMI

To describe the patients’ characteristics and risk factors of diabetic and non-diabetic patients presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in relation to residual SYNTAX score after PPCI (primary PCI). Material and Method: Prospective observational study using data from all comers in NHI with STEMI and underwent PPCI over one month. Results: The present study consisted of 290 patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction over one month period. About 50% of the patients with diabetes were more often female, with a greater prevalence of hypertension and dyslipidemia. In the diabetic group, the eGFR <60 ml/kg/min was associated with more residual CAD after PPCI and a higher residual SYNTAX score. Conclusion: eGFR is correlated with the presence of MVD in diabetic patients and with a higher residual syntax, which reflects the severity of disease in diabetic patients with nephropathy. That observation was not existing in a diabetic with normal eGFR or in non-diabetics with normal or reduced eGFR.

Energy metabolism homeostasis in cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the general population. Energy metabolism disturbance is one of the early abnormalities in CVDs, such as coronary heart disease, diabetic cardiomyopathy, and heart failure. To explore the role of myocardial energy homeostasis disturbance in CVDs, it is important to understand myocardial metabolism in the normal heart and their function in the complex pathophysiology of CVDs. In this article, we summarized lipid metabolism/lipotoxicity and glucose metabolism/insulin resistance in the heart, focused on the metabolic regulation during neonatal and ageing heart, proposed potential metabolic mechanisms for cardiac regeneration and degeneration. We provided an overview of emerging molecular network among cardiac proliferation, regeneration, and metabolic disturbance. These novel targets promise a new era for the treatment of CVDs.

Investigation on Risk Stratification and the Prognostic Value of hs-TnT Combined with MMP-2 in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

Objective

The aim of this study was at investigating the risk stratification and prognostic value of hypersensitive troponin T (hs-TnT) combined with matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods

80 patients with coronary syndrome admitted to our hospital from January 2019 to January 2020 and 40 healthy people (control group) in the same period were selected. According to different types of diseases, the patients were divided into an acute group (n = 40) and stable group (n = 40). Besides, they all were monitored by the hs-TnT value, serum MMP-2, and coronary angiography at admission and the comparative analysis was carried out. The patients in both groups were followed up for 30 days, and the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events in the patients during this period was recorded.

Results

Compared with those in the control group, the MMP-2 and hs-TnT levels in the acute group and the stable group were significantly higher and the MMP-2 and hs-TnT levels in the acute group were significantly higher than those in the stable group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). The 30-day follow-up results showed that the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events in the acute group was significantly higher than that in the stable group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). The hs-TnT and MMP-2 levels in the acute myocardial infarction (AMI) group were significantly higher than those in the unstable angina pectoris (UAP) group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.01). The hs-TnT and MMP-2 levels in the non-single-vessel group were significantly higher than those in the single-vessel group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The hs-TnT and MMP-2 high expression levels are closely associated with myocardial injury, and they can effectively predict the severity of patients' disease. In addition, the hs-TnT and MMP-2 elevated levels can be considered as an important index to judge the short-term treatment efficacy and the risk stratification of early ACS, playing an important role in clinical treatment and rehabilitation in the later stage.

Comparative efficacy of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) for cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) improve cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). The comparative efficacy of individual SGLT2i remains unclear. We searched PubMed, www.clinicaltrials.gov and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for randomised controlled trials exploring the use of canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, empagliflozin or ertugliflozin in patients with T2D. Comparators included placebo or any other active treatment. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Secondary endpoints were cardiovascular mortality and worsening heart failure (HF). Evidence was synthesised using network meta-analysis (NMA). Sixty-four trials reporting on 74,874 patients were included. The overall quality of evidence was high. When compared with placebo, empagliflozin and canagliflozin improved all three endpoints, whereas dapagliflozin improved worsening HF. When compared with other SGLT2i, empagliflozin was superior for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality reduction. Empagliflozin, canagliflozin and dapagliflozin had similar effects on improving worsening HF. Ertugliflozin had no effect on any of the three endpoints investigated. Sensitivity analyses including extension periods of trials or excluding studies with a treatment duration of < 52 weeks confirmed the main results. Similar results were obtained when restricting mortality analyses to patients included in cardiovascular outcome trials (n = 38,719). Empagliflozin and canagliflozin improved survival with empagliflozin being superior to the other SGLT2i. Empagliflozin, canagliflozin and dapagliflozin had similar effects on improving worsening HF. Prospective head-to-head comparisons would be needed to confirm these results.

The Burden of Cardio-Cerebrovascular Risk Factors: Differences Between Individual Risk and Population Risk

INTRODUCTION

Cardio-cerebrovascular (CCV) disease contributes significantly to the global burden of disease, with dramatic consequences in terms of mortality and general health. Mitigate CCV risk factors is the key to reduce individual and population risk of CCV events. Evidence-based medicine and epidemiological investigations of risk factors are essential to optimize actions.

AIM

To contribute to the knowledge of the burden of risk factors in determining CCV events in the individual patient and in the community.

METHODS

Clinical data and risk factors were collected through a longitudinal survey (1999) as part of a larger epidemiology and cardiovascular prevention project, namely the "VIP (Valle dell'Irno Prevention) Project". We assessed the incidence of major cardiovascular events (MACE) and for each risk factor we calculated: prevalence, absolute risk, odds ratio (OR), additional risk (AR) = risk of exposed to the risk factor - risk of non-exposed, population attributable risk (PAR) = additional risk * prevalence, population attributable risk fraction (PAF) = PAR/total incidence of the disease.

RESULTS

Comparing the MACE group with the non-MACE group, a statistically significant difference was found for the following: glomerular filtration rate (GFR), glucose and systolic blood pressure (SBP), BMI, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine and uric acid. GFR, glucose and SBP showed the highest OR. Age, creatinine, glycemia, SBP and uric acid were independent predictor of MACE. When calculating the PAF, the CCV risk factors with the greatest impact on MACE were: SBP (29.6%), triglyceridemia (19.4%) and metabolic syndrome (18.3%).

CONCLUSION

The burden of risk factors on MACE changes substantially according to whether it is calculated in the single patient or in the population. It is crucial for physicians to take these differences into account when applying their own intervention to reduce CCV events.

The Aggressive Diabetic Kidney Disease in Youth-Onset Type 2 Diabetes: Pathogenetic Mechanisms and Potential Therapies

Youth-onset Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) represents a major burden worldwide. In the last decades, the prevalence of T2DM became higher than that of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM), helped by the increasing rate of childhood obesity. The highest prevalence rates of youth-onset T2DM are recorded in China (520 cases/100,000) and in the United States (212 cases/100,000), and the numbers are still increasing. T2DM young people present a strong hereditary component, often unmasked by social and environmental risk factors. These patients are affected by multiple coexisting risk factors, including obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, hypertension, and inflammation. Juvenile T2DM nephropathy occurs earlier in life compared to T1DM-related nephropathy in children or T2DM-related nephropathy in adult. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is T2DM major long term microvascular complication. This review summarizes the main mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of the DKD in young population and the recent evolution of treatment, in order to reduce the risk of DKD progression.

Assessment of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker on the split renal function in the patients with primary hypertension

Bilateral kidney damage in hypertensive patients is not parallel. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker (ACEI/ARB), as a commonly used antihypertensive drug, could protect kidney function and delay its deterioration. Most studies focused on overall renal function, but the researches on split renal function (SRF) are rare. We investigated the effects of ACEI/ARB on the SRF in patients with primary hypertension.Patients with primary hypertension (n = 429; male: 213; female: 216) admitted to our department between January 2014 and December 2016 were included in this study. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of split and total renal function were determined using diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid tagged with 99mTc renal dynamic imaging method. For the same patient, the side with high GFR was considered as higher GFR kidney, whereas that with a low GFR was considered as lower GFR kidney. The split function score (Q value) was utilized to evaluate the differences of bilateral renal function. The patients were divided into 3 groups based on the Q values (Group 1, Q value <5%; Group 2, Q value of 5%-10%; Group 3, Q value ≥10%). All the patients received antihypertensive therapy based on ACEI/ARB. The renal dynamic imaging was performed in the 1-year follow-up to investigate the changes of the SRF.Compared with the baseline level, significant decline was noticed in the serum creatinine (Scr) in Group 2 and Group 3 (P < .05). The cystatin C in Group 3 showed significant decline (P < .05). Compared with the baseline, there was significant decline in the Q value in Group 2, whereas the GFR of lower GFR kidney showed significant increase (P < .05). No statistical differences were noticed in the Q value and split GFR in Group 1 and Group 3 (P > .05).In primary hypertension patients, ACEI/ARB therapy could improve the SRF of lower GFR kidney in the presence of certain differences between the SRF. As a result, the SRF difference was reduced. In case of Q value in a range of 5% to 10%, ACEI/ARB could improve the renal function effectively. It may be significant for the design of antihypertensive drugs.

Management of type 2 diabetes with oral semaglutide: Practical guidance for pharmacists

PURPOSE

To provide pharmacists with information on counseling patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) receiving oral semaglutide.

SUMMARY

Oral semaglutide, the first oral glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (GLP-1RA), was approved for the treatment of adults with T2D by the US Food and Drug Administration in September 2019. Semaglutide has been coformulated with the absorption enhancer sodium N-(8-[2-hydroxybenzoyl] amino) caprylate to improve bioavailability of semaglutide following oral administration. Oral semaglutide has been shown to have efficacy and safety profiles similar to those of other GLP-1RAs. Many patients with T2D have a complex oral medication regimen to manage their T2D and concomitant chronic comorbid conditions. Therefore, it is important that patients follow the dose administration instructions closely: oral semaglutide should be taken on an empty stomach upon waking with a sip (≤120 mL) of plain water and at least 30 minutes before the first food, beverage, or other oral medications of the day. The most common adverse effects of oral semaglutide are gastrointestinal (typically nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting). It is important for pharmacists to counsel patients prescribed oral semaglutide about optimal oral dosing, why correct dosing conditions are necessary, expected therapeutic response, and effective strategies to mitigate potential gastrointestinal adverse events.

CONCLUSION

Information and practical strategies provided by pharmacists may facilitate initiation and maintenance of oral semaglutide therapy and ensure that each patient achieves an optimal therapeutic response.

The Impact of Antidiabetic Therapies on Diastolic Dysfunction and Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is more prevalent in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) than previously recognized, while often being characterized by diastolic dysfunction in the absence of systolic dysfunction. This likely contributes to why heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is enriched in people with T2DM vs. heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Due to revised mandates from major health regulatory agencies, all therapies being developed for the treatment of T2DM must now undergo rigorous assessment of their cardiovascular risk profiles prior to approval. As such, we now have data from tens of thousands of subjects with T2DM demonstrating the impact of major therapies including the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists, and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors on cardiovascular outcomes. Evidence to date suggests that both SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1R agonists improve cardiovascular outcomes, whereas DPP-4 inhibitors appear to be cardiovascular neutral, though evidence is lacking to determine the overall utility of these therapies on diastolic dysfunction or diabetic cardiomyopathy in subjects with T2DM. We herein will review the overall impact SLGT2 inhibitors, GLP-1R agonists, and DPP-4 inhibitors have on major parameters of diastolic function, while also highlighting the potential mechanisms of action responsible. A more complete understanding of how these therapies influence diastolic dysfunction will undoubtedly play a major role in how we manage cardiovascular disease in subjects with T2DM.

Novel Antidiabetic Agents: Cardiovascular and Safety Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Concerns of elevated cardiovascular risk with some anti-diabetic medications warranted trials on the cardiovascular outcome to demonstrate cardiovascular safety of newly marketed anti-diabetic drugs. Although these trials were initially designed to evaluate safety, some of these demonstrated significant cardiovascular benefits.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We reviewed the cardiovascular and safety outcomes of novel antidiabetic agents in patients with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease or at high risk of it. We included the outcomes of safety trials, randomized controlled trials, meta-analysis, large cohort studies, and real-world data, which highlighted the cardiovascular profile of DPP-4is, GLP-1RAs and SGLT-2is.

CONCLUSION

Although DPP-4is demonstrated non-inferiority to placebo, gaining cardiovascular safety, as well market authorization, SGLT-2is and most of the GLP-1RAs have shown impressive cardiovascular benefits in patients with T2D and established CVD or at high risk of it. These favorable effects of novel antidiabetic agents on cardiovascular parameters provide novel therapeutic approaches in medical management, risk stratification and prevention.

Efficacy, safety and cardiovascular outcomes of once-daily oral semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes: The PIONEER programme

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are recommended for glycaemic management in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Oral semaglutide, the first oral GLP-1RA, has recently been approved for clinical use, based on the results of the randomized, Phase 3a Peptide InnOvatioN for Early diabEtes tReatment (PIONEER) clinical trials. The PIONEER programme tested oral semaglutide in patients with T2D of duration ranging from 3.5 to 15 years, from monotherapy through to insulin add-on, in global populations and two trials dedicated to Japanese patients. Outcomes (glycated haemoglobin [HbA1c] and body weight reduction, plus other relevant efficacy and safety endpoints) were tested against both placebo and active standard-of-care medications. A separate trial evaluated the cardiovascular safety of oral semaglutide in patients with T2D at high cardiovascular risk. Over periods of treatment up to 78 weeks, oral semaglutide 7 and 14 mg once daily reduced HbA1c and body weight across the spectrum of T2D, and improved other diabetes-related endpoints, such as fasting plasma glucose. Oral semaglutide provided significantly better efficacy than placebo and commonly used glucose-lowering medications from the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (sitagliptin) and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor (empagliflozin) classes, as well as the subcutaneous GLP-1RAs liraglutide and dulaglutide. Oral semaglutide was well tolerated in line with the known safety profile of GLP-1RAs, with transient gastrointestinal events being the most common side effects reported. Cardiovascular safety was demonstrated for oral semaglutide in patients with cardiovascular disease or high cardiovascular risk. The results of the PIONEER programme suggest that oral semaglutide is efficacious and well tolerated for glycaemic control of T2D. The availability of oral semaglutide may help to broaden treatment choice and facilitate adoption of earlier GLP-1RA treatment in the paradigm of T2D management.

Diabetic Agents, From Metformin to SGLT2 Inhibitors and GLP1 Receptor Agonists: JACC Focus Seminar

Given the intersection between diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease (CVD), pharmacologic agents used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus must show cardiovascular safety. Comorbid conditions, including heart failure and chronic kidney disease, are increasingly prevalent in patients with diabetes; therefore, they also play a large role in drug safety. Although biguanides, sulfonylurea, glitazones, and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors have variable effects on cardiovascular events, sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists have consistently shown safety and reduction in cardiovascular events in patients with established CVD. These medications are becoming essential tools for cardioprotection for patients with diabetes and CVD. They may also have roles in primary prevention and renal protection. This paper will review the cardiovascular impact, adverse effects, and possible mechanisms of action of pharmacologic agents used to treat patients with type 2 diabetes.

Association of QTc Interval with Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases and Related Vascular Traits: A Prospective and Longitudinal Analysis

Background:

Prolonged heart rate corrected QT (QTc) interval was reported to be associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

Objective:

There exists little data on the association between QTc interval and cardiovascular risk in Asian populations. We prospectively investigated the association of QTc interval with CVDs and vascular traits in a large cohort of Chinese adults.

Methods:

A total of 7,605 participants aged 40 years or older from a well-defined community without CVDs at baseline were included and followed up for an average of 4.5 years. Association of baseline QTc interval with incident CVDs was evaluated using Cox regression analysis. Associations of QTc interval with brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), and risk of microalbuminuria and peripheral arterial diseases (PAD) were secondarily examined.

Results:

Prolonged QTc interval (≥460 ms in women and ≥450 ms in men) was associated with 51% higher risk of total major CVDs (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.20, 1.90]), particularly, 48% increased risk of stroke (95% CI [1.16, 1.88]). Prolonged QTc interval was positively associated with baPWV (β = 38.10 cm/s, standard error [SE] = 8.04, P < 0.0001) and CIMT (β = 0.01 mm, SE = 0.01, P = 0.04). Prolonged QTc interval was associated with increased risk of incident microalbuminuria (odds ratio [OR] = 1.65, 95% CI [1.21, 2.24]) and PAD (2.49, 95% CI [1.35, 4.59]).

Conclusions:

Prolonged QTc interval is positively and significantly associated with increased risk of CVDs and related vascular traits in Chinese population.

Glomerular Filtration Rate and Associated Risks of Cardiovascular Events, Mortality, and Severe Hypoglycemia in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Secondary Analysis (DEVOTE 11)

INTRODUCTION

The associations of chronic kidney disease (CKD) severity, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and insulin with the risks of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), mortality, and severe hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) at high cardiovascular (CV) risk are not known. This secondary, pooled analysis of data from the DEVOTE trial examined whether baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR) categories were associated with a higher risk of these outcomes.

METHODS

DEVOTE was a treat-to-target, double-blind trial involving 7637 patients with T2D at high CV risk who were randomized to once-daily treatment with either insulin degludec (degludec) or insulin glargine 100 units/mL (glargine U100). Patients with estimated GFR data at baseline (n = 7522) were analyzed following stratification into four GFR categories.

RESULTS

The risks of MACE, CV death, and all-cause mortality increased with worsening baseline GFR category (P < 0.05), with a trend towards higher rates of severe hypoglycemia. Patients with prior CVD, CKD (estimated GFR < 60 mL/min/m2), or both were at higher risk of MACE, CV death, and all-cause mortality. Only CKD was associated with a higher rate of severe hypoglycemia, and the risk of MACE was higher in patients with CVD than in those with CKD (P  = 0.0003). There were no significant interactions between randomized treatment and GFR category.

CONCLUSION

The risks of MACE, CV death, and all-cause mortality were higher with lower baseline GFR and with prior CVD, CKD, or both. The relative effects of degludec versus glargine U100 on outcomes were consistent across baseline GFR categories, suggesting that the lower rate of severe hypoglycemia associated with degludec use versus glargine U100 use was independent of baseline GFR category.

FUNDING

Novo Nordisk.

Renal Benefits of SGLT 2 Inhibitors and GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Evidence Supporting a Paradigm Shift in the Medical Management of Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most perilous side effects of diabetes mellitus type 1 and type 2 (T1DM and T2DM).). It is known that sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT 2i) and glucagone like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have renoprotective effects, but the molecular mechanisms are still unknown. In clinical trials GLP-1 analogs exerted important impact on renal composite outcomes, primarily on macroalbuminuria, possibly through suppression of inflammation-related pathways, however enhancement of natriuresis and diuresis is also one of possible mechanisms of nephroprotection. Dapagliflozin, canagliflozin, and empagliflozin are SGLT2i drugs, useful in reducing hyperglycemia and in their potential renoprotective mechanisms, which include blood pressure control, body weight loss, intraglomerular pressure reduction, and a decrease in urinary proximal tubular injury biomarkers. In this review we have discussed the potential synergistic and/or additive effects of GLP 1 RA and SGLT2 inhibitors on the primary onset and progression of kidney disease, and the potential implications on current guidelines of diabetes type 2 management.

Major adverse cardiovascular events in people with chronic kidney disease in relation to disease severity and diabetes status

Diabetes plays an important role in the complex relationship between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease. This retrospective observational study compared the influence of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and proteinuria on the risk of major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE; myocardial infarction or stroke) in CKD patients with and without diabetes. Data were from a linked database of UK electronic health records. Individuals with CKD and no prior MACE were classified as type 1 diabetes (T1DM; n = 164), type 2 diabetes (T2DM; n = 9,711), and non-diabetes (non-DM; n = 75,789). Monthly updated time-dependent Cox proportional hazard models were constructed to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for progression to MACE from first record of abnormal eGFR or proteinuria (index date). In non-DM, aHRs (95% CIs) by baseline eGFR category (referent G2) were G1: 0.70 (0.55–0.90), G3a: 1.28 (1.20–1.35), G3b: 1.64 (1.52–1.76), G4: 2.19 (1.98–2.43), and G5: 3.12 (2.44–3.99), and by proteinuria category (referent A1) were A2: 1.13 (1.00–1.28), A2/3 (severity indeterminable): 1.58 (1.28–1.95), and A3: 1.64 (1.38–1.95). In T2DM, aHRs were G1: 0.98 (0.72–1.32), G3a: 1.18 (1.03–1.34), G3b: 1.31 (1.12–1.54), G4: 1.87 (1.53–2.29), G5: 2.87 (1.82–4.52), A2: 1.22 (1.04–1.42), A2/3: 1.45 (1.17–1.79), and A3: 1.82 (1.53–2.16). Low numbers in T1DM precluded analysis. Modelling T2DM and non-DM together, aHRs were, respectively, G1: 3.23 (2.38–4.40) and 0.70 (0.55–0.89); G2: 3.18 (2.73–3.70) and 1.00 (referent); G3a: 3.65 (3.13–4.25) and 1.28 (1.21–1.36); G3b: 4.01 (3.40–4.74) and 1.65 (1.54–1.77); G4: 5.78 (4.70–7.10) and 2.21 (2.00–2.45); G5: 9.00 (5.71–14.18) and 3.14 (2.46–4.00). In conclusion, reduced eGFR and proteinuria were independently associated with increased risk of MACE regardless of diabetes status. However, the risk of MACE in the same eGFR state was 4.6–2.4 times higher in T2DM than in non-DM.

The development of an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist for the management of type 2 diabetes: evidence to date

Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RA) are prominent agents in the therapeutics of type 2 diabetes mellitus due to their exemplary efficacy in both preprandial and postprandial glycemia, their safety, low risk of hypoglycemia, their multilevel pathophysiological superiority, weight loss and importantly the observed benefits in cardiovascular disease reduction. Their major drawback is the subcutaneous route of administration, constituting a barrier to adoption and reason for treatment discontinuation. Thus, the development of an oral GLP1-RA agent would promote medication adherence and quality of life, further consolidating its beneficial effects in real-life clinical practice. However, this task is hampered by suboptimal gastrointestinal protein absorption. Yet, the introduction of oral semaglutide, a modified form of semaglutide with the addition of a carrier sodium N-(8-[2-hydroxybenzoyl] amino) caprylate, may have provided a safe and effective way to reach systemic circulation while other molecules are in development. Whether this molecule still has the impressive cardiovascular effects demonstrated with the use of its precursor remains to be explored. However, to date, its efficacy and safety have already been showcased in a randomized trial. More research is warranted in order to further consolidate these findings across different type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) subpopulations, and adequately powered studies with a longer follow-up that would allow the exploration of microvascular and macrovascular complications are needed. Finally, studies comparing oral semaglutide and similar molecules with other currently established antidiabetic agents to evaluate the relative efficacy, the cost-effectiveness and further understand its place in T2DM therapeutic algorithm are needed. This review focuses on the development of oral GLP1-RA agents and summarizes the challenges, milestones and expected benefits associated with a successful introduction.

Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and in Patients Starting Empagliflozin Treatment: Nationwide Survey

INTRODUCTION

Were the participants of the EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial representative of patients receiving empagliflozin in clinical practice? The aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in type 2 diabetes patients starting empagliflozin treatment in routine clinical practice in Sweden.

METHODS

We used nationwide data from the Swedish National Diabetes Register (NDR), the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register, and the Swedish National Patient Register to provide clinical characteristics and ongoing treatments.

RESULTS

The total study cohort included 460,558 patients, of whom 130,508 (28.3%) had a history of CVD. The number of patients starting empagliflozin during the study period was 16,985. Among these, 1952 (11.5%) had a history of CVD. The patients starting empagliflozin were younger than the total cohort and were more likely to have retinopathy despite having a similar duration of diabetes to the overall cohort. They also exhibited higher BMI, HbA1c, and eGFR, and were more likely to be treated with insulin and lipid-lowering and blood-pressure-lowering medications. The patients with CVD who were starting empagliflozin were slightly older and had been diabetic for slightly longer than the patients without CVD who were starting empagliflozin, but they also had lower eGFR. Among the patients with CVD who were starting empagliflozin, 87% had coronary heart disease, 8% had suffered a stroke, 13% had peripheral artery disease, 16% had atrial fibrillation, and 20% had congestive heart failure.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of CVD in patients with type 2 diabetes in clinical practice in Sweden was 28.3% during the study period, and it was 11.5% in the patients starting empagliflozin treatment. Patients of the latter cohort were, however, younger, more obese, and more likely to have unsatisfactory glycemic control, requiring additional treatment. Overall, a large proportion of type 2 diabetes patients should be considered at high cardiovascular risk.

FUNDING

Boehringer Ingelheim AB, Sweden.

Efficacy and safety of oral semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes and moderate renal impairment (PIONEER 5): a placebo-controlled, randomised, phase 3a trial

BACKGROUND

Oral semaglutide is the first oral glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist for glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is commonly associated with renal impairment, restricting treatment options. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of oral semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes and moderate renal impairment.

METHODS

This randomised, double-blind, phase 3a trial was undertaken at 88 sites in eight countries. Patients aged 18 years and older, with type 2 diabetes, an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 30-59 mL/min per 1·73 m², and who had been receiving a stable dose of metformin or sulfonylurea, or both, or basal insulin with or without metformin for the past 90 days were eligible. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) by use of an interactive web-response system, with stratification by glucose-lowering medication and renal function, to receive oral semaglutide (dose escalated to 14 mg once daily) or matching placebo for 26 weeks, in addition to background medication. Participants and site staff were masked to assignment. Two efficacy-related estimands were defined: treatment policy (regardless of treatment discontinuation or rescue medication) and trial product (on treatment without rescue medication) in all participants randomly assigned. Endpoints were change from baseline to week 26 in HbA_1c (primary endpoint) and bodyweight (confirmatory secondary endpoint), assessed in all participants with sufficient data. Safety was assessed in all participants who received at least one dose of study drug. This trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02827708, and the European Clinical Trials Registry, number EudraCT 2015-005326-19, and is now complete.

FINDINGS

Between Sept 20, 2016, and Sept 29, 2017, of 721 patients screened, 324 were eligible and randomly assigned to oral semaglutide (n=163) or placebo (n=161). Mean age at baseline was 70 years (SD 8), and 168 (52%) of participants were female. 133 (82%) participants in the oral semaglutide group and 141 (88%) in the placebo group completed 26 weeks on treatment. At 26 weeks, oral semaglutide was superior to placebo in decreasing HbA_1c (estimated mean change of -1·0 percentage point (SE 0·1; -11 mmol/mol [SE 0·8]) vs -0·2 percentage points (SE 0·1; -2 mmol/mol [SE 0·8]); estimated treatment difference [ETD]: -0·8 percentage points, 95% CI -1·0 to -0·6; p<0·0001) and bodyweight (estimated mean change of -3·4 kg [SE 0·3] vs -0·9 kg [SE 0·3]; ETD, -2·5, 95% CI -3·2 to -1·8; p<0·0001) by the treatment policy estimand. Significant differences were seen for the trial product estimand: mean change in HbA_1c -1·1 percentage points (SE 0·1; -12 mmol/mol [SE 0·8] versus -0·1 percentage points (SE 0·1; -1 mmol/mol [SE 0·8]; ETD -1·0 percentage points, 95% CI -1·2 to -0·8; p<0·0001); mean change in bodyweight -3·7 kg (SE 0·3) versus -1·1 kg (SE 0·3; ETD -2·7 kg, 95% CI -3·5 to -1·9; p<0·0001). More patients taking oral semaglutide than placebo had adverse events (120 [74%] of 163 vs 105 [65%] of 161), and discontinued treatment as a result (24 [15%] vs eight [5%]). Gastrointestinal events, mainly mild-to-moderate nausea, were more common with oral semaglutide than with placebo. Three deaths occurred during the treatment period that were not condsidered to be treatment related, one in the semaglutide group and two in the placebo group.

INTERPRETATION

Oral semaglutide was effective in patients with type 2 diabetes and moderate renal impairment, potentially providing a new treatment option for this population. Safety, including renal safety, was consistent with the GLP-1 receptor agonist class.

FUNDING

Novo Nordisk A/S.

Dapagliflozin and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

The cardiovascular safety profile of dapagliflozin, a selective inhibitor of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 that promotes glucosuria in patients with type 2 diabetes, is undefined.

METHODS

We randomly assigned patients with type 2 diabetes who had or were at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease to receive either dapagliflozin or placebo. The primary safety outcome was a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or ischemic stroke. The primary efficacy outcomes were MACE and a composite of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure. Secondary efficacy outcomes were a renal composite (≥40% decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate to <60 ml per minute per 1.73 m² of body-surface area, new end-stage renal disease, or death from renal or cardiovascular causes) and death from any cause.

RESULTS

We evaluated 17,160 patients, including 10,186 without atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, who were followed for a median of 4.2 years. In the primary safety outcome analysis, dapagliflozin met the prespecified criterion for noninferiority to placebo with respect to MACE (upper boundary of the 95% confidence interval [CI], <1.3; P<0.001 for noninferiority). In the two primary efficacy analyses, dapagliflozin did not result in a lower rate of MACE (8.8% in the dapagliflozin group and 9.4% in the placebo group; hazard ratio, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.84 to 1.03; P=0.17) but did result in a lower rate of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure (4.9% vs. 5.8%; hazard ratio, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.73 to 0.95; P=0.005), which reflected a lower rate of hospitalization for heart failure (hazard ratio, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.61 to 0.88); there was no between-group difference in cardiovascular death (hazard ratio, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.82 to 1.17). A renal event occurred in 4.3% in the dapagliflozin group and in 5.6% in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.87), and death from any cause occurred in 6.2% and 6.6%, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.82 to 1.04). Diabetic ketoacidosis was more common with dapagliflozin than with placebo (0.3% vs. 0.1%, P=0.02), as was the rate of genital infections that led to discontinuation of the regimen or that were considered to be serious adverse events (0.9% vs. 0.1%, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with type 2 diabetes who had or were at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, treatment with dapagliflozin did not result in a higher or lower rate of MACE than placebo but did result in a lower rate of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure, a finding that reflects a lower rate of hospitalization for heart failure. (Funded by AstraZeneca; DECLARE-TIMI 58 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01730534 .).

Effects of glucose-lowering agents on surrogate endpoints and hard clinical renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) represents an enormous burden in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Preclinical studies using most glucose-lowering agents have suggested renal-protective effects, but the proposed mechanisms of renoprotection have yet to be defined, and the promising results from experimental studies remain to be translated into human clinical findings to improve the prognosis of patients at risk of DKD. Also, it is important to distinguish effects on surrogate endpoints, such as decreases in albuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and hard clinical endpoints, such as progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and death from renal causes. Data regarding insulin therapy are surprisingly scarce, and it is nearly impossible to separate the effects of better glucose control from those of insulin per se, whereas favourable preclinical data with metformin, thiazolidinediones and dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitors are plentiful, and positive effects have been observed in clinical studies, at least for surrogate endpoints. The most favourable renal results have been reported with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and sodium-glucose cotransporter type-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is). Significant reductions in both albuminuria and eGFR decline have been reported with these classes of glucose-lowering medications compared with placebo and other glucose-lowering agents. Moreover, in large prospective cardiovascular outcome trials using composite renal outcomes as secondary endpoints, both GLP-1RAs and SGLT2is added to standard care reduced renal outcomes combining persistent macro-albuminuria, doubling of serum creatinine, progression to ESRD and kidney-related death; however, to date, only SGLT2is have been clearly shown to reduce such hard clinical outcomes. Yet, as the renoprotective effects of SGLT2is and GLP-1RAs appear to be independent of glucose-lowering activity, the underlying mechanisms are still a matter of debate. For this reason, further studies with renal outcomes as primary endpoints are now awaited in T2DM patients at high risk of DKD, including trials evaluating the potential add-on benefits of combined GLP-1RA-SGLT2i therapies.