Effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on haematocrit and haemoglobin levels and the associated cardiorenal benefits in T2DM patients: A meta-analysis

Extrarenal Benefits of SGLT2 Inhibitors in the Treatment of Cardiomyopathies

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have emerged as pivotal medications for heart failure, demonstrating remarkable cardiovascular benefits extending beyond their glucose-lowering effects. The unexpected cardiovascular advantages have intrigued and prompted the scientific community to delve into the mechanistic underpinnings of these novel actions. Preclinical studies have generated many mechanistic theories, ranging from their renal and extrarenal effects to potential direct actions on cardiac muscle cells, to elucidate the mechanisms linking these drugs to clinical cardiovascular outcomes. Despite the strengths and limitations of each theory, many await validation in human studies. Furthermore, whether SGLT2 inhibitors confer therapeutic benefits in specific subsets of cardiomyopathies akin to their efficacy in other heart failure populations remains unclear. By examining the shared pathological features between heart failure resulting from vascular diseases and other causes of cardiomyopathy, certain specific molecular actions of SGLT2 inhibitors (particularly those targeting cardiomyocytes) would support the concept that these medications will yield therapeutic benefits across a broad range of cardiomyopathies. This article aims to discuss the important mechanisms of SGLT2 inhibitors and their implications in hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathies. Furthermore, we offer insights into future research directions for SGLT2 inhibitor studies, which hold the potential to further elucidate the proposed biological mechanisms in greater detail.

Impact of Empagliflozin on the Outcomes of β-Thalassemia Major in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: The THALEMPA Observational Study

OBJECTIVE

Beta-thalassemia major (β-TM) is a genetic disorder characterized by ineffective erythropoiesis and chronic hemolytic anemia, necessitating lifelong blood transfusions and leading to severe complications. This study, termed THALEMPA by the authors, investigated the effect of empagliflozin (EMPA) on β-TM outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), focusing on disease severity and associated complications of iron overload and hyperuricemia.

METHODOLOGY

This study conducted a single-center prospective observational investigation involving adults diagnosed with β-TM and T2DM. A total of 20 carefully selected patients were stratified into two groups based on their medical condition: the EMPA group, receiving 10 mg of empagliflozin, and a control group, receiving standard care. This focused cohort size was chosen to ensure a detailed, in-depth analysis of the treatment effects within this specific patient population. Over three months, both groups were closely monitored for β-TM outcomes. The study assessed β-TM severity parameters such as hemoglobin levels, blood transfusion frequency, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), left ventricular ejection fraction percentage, and spleen size. Additionally, β-TM complications were evaluated through serum ferritin and uric acid levels.

RESULTS

Our analysis revealed that EMPA increased hemoglobin levels by up to 0.56 g/dL compared to baseline (P < 0.05). Liver enzyme levels significantly improved with EMPA by the third month. AST and ALT decreased by 36.22% and 33.36%, respectively, from baseline levels (P < 0.05), highlighting EMPA's potential benefits for β-TM severity. Serum ferritin and uric acid levels decreased by 27.93% and 21.29%, respectively, over three months on EMPA (P < 0.05). However, other parameters did not show significant changes post-EMPA.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the significant impact of EMPA treatment over three months on β-TM patients with T2DM, evidenced by notable improvements in hemoglobin levels and reductions in liver enzymes, as well as in complications related to iron overload and hyperuricemia. Future research should confirm these benefits over longer durations and assess broader patient outcomes such as quality of life.

SGLT-2 Inhibitor Use and Cause-Specific Hospitalization Rates: An Outcome-Wide Study to Identify Novel Associations of SGLT-2 Inhibitors

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) have demonstrated multifaceted pharmacological effects. In addition to type 2 diabetes, they are now indicated for heart failure and chronic kidney disease. This study aimed to identify novel associations between SGLT2i use and health outcomes using real-world data. Using linked data from a nationwide diabetes registry in Australia, we compared hospitalization rates in people living with type 2 diabetes commencing treatment with SGLT2i and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP4i) between December 1, 2013, and June 30, 2019. Cause-specific hospitalizations were categorized across three hierarchies of diagnoses (first, first three, and first four digits of International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Version, Australian Modification codes). Incidence rate ratio (IRR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for each cause-specific hospitalization were estimated using negative binomial regression. In the first hierarchy, hospitalization rates were lower across most diagnosis groups among SGLT2i initiators (n = 99,569) compared with DPP4i initiators (n = 186,353). In the second and third hierarchies, there were lower hospitalization rates relating to infections, anemias, and obstructive airway diseases among SGLT2i initiators compared with DPP4i initiators. These included sepsis (IRR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.51-0.72) anemia (IRR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.46-0.66), and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (IRR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.40-0.68), as well as for previously known associations (e.g., heart failure (IRR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.56-0.70)). SGLT2is have previously uncharacterized associations on a range of important clinical outcomes; validation of these associations requires further study, some of which may suggest novel benefits or new indications for SGLT2is.

SGLT2 Inhibitors and Kidney Protection: Mechanisms Beyond Tubuloglomerular Feedback

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce the risk for kidney failure and are a key component of guideline-directed therapy for CKD. While SGLT2 inhibitors' ability to activate tubuloglomerular feedback and reduce hyperfiltration-mediated kidney injury is considered to be the central mechanism for kidney protection, recent data from experimental studies raise questions on the primacy of this mechanism. This review examines SGLT2 inhibitors' role in tubuloglomerular feedback and summarizes emerging evidence on following of SGLT2 inhibitors' other putative mechanisms for kidney protection: optimization of kidney's energy substrate utilization and delivery, regulation of autophagy and maintenance of cellular homeostasis, attenuation of sympathetic hyperactivity, and improvement in vascular health and microvascular function. It is imperative to examine the effect of SGLT2 inhibition on these different physiologic processes to help our understanding of mechanisms underpinning kidney protection with this important class of drugs.

The effect of sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors on stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To provide an update on the effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing SGLT2 inhibitors versus placebo or other therapies in patients with T2D and reporting stroke endpoint. We computed the risk ratios (RRs) to binary endpoints, with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

A total of 71 RCTs and 105,914 patients were included, of whom 62,488 (59 %) were randomized to the SGLT2 inhibitors group. The follow-up ranged from 12 weeks to 4.2 years. There were no significant differences between groups in all types of stroke (RR 0.96; 95 % CI 0.89-1.04), ischemic stroke (RR 0.89; 95 % CI 0.76-1.04), and transient ischemic attack (RR 0.96; 95 % CI 0.79-1.16). Patients on SGLT2 inhibitors experienced lower rates of hemorrhagic stroke (RR 0.62; 95 % CI 0.39-0.98). In the subgroup analysis of the type of drug, sotagliflozin significantly reduced all types of stroke (RR 0.74; 95 % CI 0.56-0.97).

CONCLUSION

In this meta-analysis of 71 RCTs comprising 105,914 patients with T2D, SGLT2 inhibitors were not associated with a reduced risk of stroke and transient ischemic attack compared to placebo or other therapies; however, there was a trend toward reduced risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Among all SGLT2 inhibitors, sotagliflozin significantly reduced the risk of stroke.

Erythrocytosis and CKD: A Review

Erythrocytosis or polycythemia is defined as an increase in red blood cell concentration above the age- and sex-specific normal levels. Unlike anemia, which is very common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), erythrocytosis is less frequent but requires specific understanding by health care professionals in order to provide the best care. Erythrocytosis, especially when undiagnosed and untreated, can lead to serious thrombotic events and higher mortality. Classic causes of erythrocytosis associated with CKD include cystic kidney diseases, kidney or other erythropoietin-secreting neoplasms, high-altitude renal syndrome, overdosage of erythropoietin-stimulating agents, androgen therapy, heavy smoking, chronic lung disease, obstructive sleep apnea, IgA nephropathy, post-kidney transplant erythrocytosis, renal artery stenosis, and congenital etiologies. After ruling out the common acquired causes of erythrocytosis and/or in the presence of suggestive parameters, primary erythrocytosis or polycythemia vera (PV) should be considered, and patients should be screened for JAK2V617F somatic mutation. The newest entity inducing erythrocytosis is linked to the use of sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors that hypothetically activate hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF-2α) and in some cases unmask PV. This Review focuses on the pathogenesis, renal manifestations and management of PV, the pathophysiology of erythrocytosis induced by SGLT2 inhibitors and the relevance of timely JAK2 mutation screening in these patients.

Drug Safety Evaluation of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors in Diabetic Comorbid Patients by Review of Systemic Extraglycemic Effects

Purpose

The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety of this drug in diabetic patients with comorbidities of all systems.

Method

In this review, the beneficial effects of this drug and its mechanism on the disorders of every system of humans in relation to diabetes have been studied, and finally, its adverse effects have also been discussed. The search for relevant information is carried out in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases by using the following terms: diabetes mellitus type 2, SGLT, SGLT2 inhibitors, (SGLT2 inhibitors) AND (Pleiotropic effects). All English-published articles from 2016 to 2023 have been used in this study. It should be noted that a small number of articles published before 2016 have been used in the introduction and general informations.

Results

Its beneficial effects on improving cardiovascular disease risk factors and reducing adverse events caused by cardiovascular and renal diseases have proven in most large clinical studies that these effects are almost certain. It also has beneficial effects on other human systems such as the respiratory system, the gastrointestinal system, the circulatory system, and the nervous system; more of them are at the level of clinical and pre-clinical trials but have not been proven in large clinical trials or meta-analyses.

Conclusion

With the exception of a few adverse effects, this drug is considered a good choice and safe for all diabetic patients with comorbidities of all systems.

Masked anemia and hematocrit elevation under sodium glucose transporter inhibitors: findings from a large real-world study

AIMS

Sodium glucose transporter inhibitors (SGLT2i) therapy is associated with an increase in hematocrit as a class effect. There is a lack of information regarding the clinical magnitude and significance of hematocrit elevation, especially cardiovascular outcomes in patients with polycythemia and possible masking of lower hemoglobin levels as a sign of potential severe disease.

METHODS

A retrospective study utilizing large community healthcare provider electronic database. Hematocrit levels and variables with potential effect on hematocrit change were compared before and during SGLT2i treatment in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

RESULTS

Study population included 9646 patients treated with Dapagliflozin or Empagliflozin between 01.2015 and 06.2019. Hematocrit levels were significantly higher after treatment initiation (2.1%), with higher median elevation among male vs female (2.3% vs. 1.8%). Anemia prevalence was significantly lower under treatment (20% vs. 31.6%). In multivariable model, gender, smoking status, SGLT2i type, pretreatment hematocrit, diabetes duration, body mass index and estimated glomerular filtration rate change significantly effected hematocrit change.

CONCLUSIONS

In the current study SGLT2i treatment was associated with significant hematocrit elevation, polycythemia and lower anemia prevalence. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical significance and approach to patients with pretreatment or on treatment polycythemia and the approach to patients with lower-normal hemoglobin levels under SGLT2i treatment.

Short-Term Changes in Peak VO2 After Initiation of Dapagliflozin in Heart Failure Across Iron Status

BACKGROUND

Some studies have indicated that sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors promote an increase in cell iron use.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to examine, in patients with stable heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF), the effect of dapagliflozin on ferrokinetic parameters and whether short-term changes in peak oxygen consumption (Vo2) after dapagliflozin treatment are influenced by baseline and serial ferrokinetic status.

METHODS

This was an exploratory analysis of a randomized, double-blind clinical trial that evaluated the effect of dapagliflozin vs placebo on peak Vo2 in patients with HFrEF (NCT04197635) and included 76 of the 90 patients initially enrolled in the trial. Changes in peak Vo2 at 1 and 3 months were explored according to baseline and longitudinal ferrokinetic parameters (natural logarithm [ln] ferritin, transferrin saturation index [TSAT], soluble transferrin receptor, and hepcidin). Linear mixed-effect regression was used for the analyses.

RESULTS

Compared with placebo, dapagliflozin led to a significant decrease in 3-month ln ferritin (P = 0.040) and an increase in 1-month ln soluble transferrin receptor (P = 0.023). Between-treatment comparisons revealed a stepwise increase in peak Vo2 in the dapagliflozin group at 1 and 3 months, which was especially apparent at lower baseline values of TSAT and ferritin (P < 0.05). Lower time-varying values of TSAT (1 and 3 months) also identified patients with greater improvements in peak Vo2.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with stable HFrEF, treatment with dapagliflozin resulted in short-term increases in peak Vo2, which were most marked in patients with surrogates of greater iron deficiency at baseline and during treatment. (Short-Term Effects of Dapagliflozin on Peak Vo2 in HFrEF [DAPA-VO2]; NCT04197635).

Early glomerular filtration rate decline is associated with hemoglobin rise following dapagliflozin initiation in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) induce short-term changes in renal function and hemoglobin. Their pathophysiology is incompletely understood. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between 1- and 3-month estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and hemoglobin changes following initiation of dapagliflozin in patients with stable heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

METHODS

This is a post hoc analysis of a randomized clinical trial that evaluated the effect of dapagliflozin on 1- and 3-month peak oxygen consumption in outpatients with stable HFrEF (DAPA-VO2 trial, NCT04197635). We used linear mixed regression analysis to assess the relationship between eGFR and hemoglobin changes across treatment arms.

RESULTS

A total of 87 patients were evaluated in this substudy. The mean age was 67.0± 10.5 years, and 21 (24.1%) were women. The mean baseline eGFR and hemoglobin were 66.9±20.7mL/min/1.73m2 and 14.3±1.7g/dL, respectively. Compared with placebo, eGFR did not significantly change at either time points in the dapagliflozin group, but hemoglobin significantly increased at 1 and 3 months. At 1 month, the hemoglobin increase was related to decreases in eGFR only in the dapagliflozin arm (P <.001). At 3 months, there was no significant association in either treatment arms (P=.123). Changes in eGFR were not associated with changes in peak oxygen consumption, quality of life, or natriuretic peptides.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with stable HFrEF, 1-month changes in eGFR induced by dapagliflozin are inversely related to changes in hemoglobin. This association was no longer significant at 3 months.

Reno- and cardioprotective molecular mechanisms of SGLT2 inhibitors beyond glycemic control: from bedside to bench

Large placebo-controlled clinical trials have shown that sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) delay the deterioration of renal function and reduce cardiovascular events in a glucose-independent manner, thereby ultimately reducing mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and/or heart failure. These existing clinical data stimulated preclinical studies aiming to understand the observed clinical effects. In animal models, it was shown that the beneficial effect of SGLT2i on the tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) improves glomerular pressure and reduces tubular workload by improving renal hemodynamics, which appears to be dependent on salt intake. High salt intake might blunt the SGLT2i effects on the TGF. Beyond the salt-dependent effects of SGLT2i on renal hemodynamics, SGLT2i inhibited several key aspects of macrophage-mediated renal inflammation and fibrosis, including inhibiting the differentiation of monocytes to macrophages, promoting the polarization of macrophages from a proinflammatory M1 phenotype to an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, and suppressing the activation of inflammasomes and major proinflammatory factors. As macrophages are also important cells mediating atherosclerosis and myocardial remodeling after injury, the inhibitory effects of SGLT2i on macrophage differentiation and inflammatory responses may also play a role in stabilizing atherosclerotic plaques and ameliorating myocardial inflammation and fibrosis. Recent studies suggest that SGLT2i may also act directly on the Na+/H+ exchanger and Late-INa in cardiomyocytes thus reducing Na+ and Ca2+ overload-mediated myocardial damage. In addition, the renal-cardioprotective mechanisms of SGLT2i include systemic effects on the sympathetic nervous system, blood volume, salt excretion, and energy metabolism.

Effectiveness and Tolerability of the Intensification of Canagliflozin Dose from 100 mg to 300 mg Daily in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Real Life: The INTENSIFY Study

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of intensifying the dose of canagliflozin from 100 mg/day (CANA100) to 300 mg/day (CANA300) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and suboptimal metabolic control in a real-world setting. Methods: A multicenter observational study was conducted on adult patients with T2DM who initiated treatment with CANA100 and subsequently required intensification to CANA300. The primary outcome measures were changes in HbA1c and weight at 6 months after the switch and at the end of the follow-up period. Results: A total of 317 patients met the inclusion criteria (59.6% male, mean age 62.2 years, baseline HbA1c 7.55%, weight 88.6 kg, median duration of treatment with CANA100 9.9 months). Switching to CANA300 resulted in a significant reduction in HbA1c (6 months: -0.33%; last visit: -0.47%, both p < 0.0001) and weight (6 months: -1.8 kg; last visit: -2.9 kg, both p < 0.0001) over a median follow-up period of 20.8 months. The proportion of patients that achieved HbA1c < 7% increased from 26.7% with CANA100 to 51.6% with CANA300 (p < 0.0001). Among individuals with poor baseline glycemic control (HbA1c > 8%, mean 9.0%), HbA1c was significantly reduced by -1.24% (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, significant improvements were observed in fasting plasma glucose (FPG), blood pressure (BP), liver enzymes, and albuminuria. No unexpected adverse events were reported. Conclusions: Intensifying the treatment to CANA300 in a real-world setting resulted in further significant and clinically relevant reductions in FPG, HbA1c, weight, and BP in patients with T2DM. The switch was particularly effective in patients with higher baseline HbA1c levels.

Short-term Changes in Hemoglobin and Changes in Functional Status, Quality of Life, and Natriuretic Peptides after initiation of Dapagliflozin in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction

BACKGROUND

We aimed to evaluate the effect of dapagliflozin on short-term changes in hemoglobin in patients with stable heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and whether these changes mediated the effect of dapagliflozin on functional capacity, quality of life, and NT-proBNP.

METHODS

It is an exploratory analysis of a randomized, double-blinded clinical trial in which 90 stable patients with HFrEF were randomly allocated to dapagliflozin or placebo to evaluate short-term changes in peak oxygen consumption (peak VO₂) (NCT04197635). This substudy evaluated 1 and 3-month changes in hemoglobin and whether these changes mediated the effects of dapagliflozin on peak VO2, Minnesota Living-With-Heart-Failure test (MLHFQ), and NT-proBNP.

RESULTS

At baseline, mean hemoglobin was 14.3 ± 1.7 g/dL. Hemoglobin significantly increased in those on dapagliflozin [1-month: +0.45 g/dL (p=0.037), and 3-month:+0.55 g/dL, (p=0.012)]. Changes in hemoglobin positively mediated the changes in peak VO2 at 3-month (59.5%, p<0.001). Changes in hemoglobin significantly mediated the effect of dapagliflozin in MLHFQ at 3-month (-53.2% and -48.7%, p=0.017) and NT-proBNP at 1 and 3-month (-68.0%, p=0.048 and -62.7%, p=0.029, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with stable HFrEF, dapagliflozin caused a short-term increase in hemoglobin, identifying patients with a greater improvement in maximal functional capacity, QoL, and reduction of NT-proBNP.

The Therapeutic Role of SGLT-2 Inhibitors in Acute Heart Failure: From Pathophysiologic Mechanisms to Clinical Evidence with Pooled Analysis of Relevant Studies across Safety and Efficacy Endpoints of Interest

(1) Background: Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors constitute a novel drug class with remarkable cardiovascular benefits for patients with chronic heart failure (HF). Recently, this class has been utilized in acute HF as an additional treatment option to classic diuretics, which remain the cornerstone of treatment. (2) Methods: We attempted to identify those pathophysiologic mechanisms targeted by SGLT-2 inhibitors, which could be of benefit to patients with acute HF. We then conducted a comprehensive review of the literature within the PubMed database in order to identify relevant studies, both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies, assessing the safety and efficacy of SGLT-2 inhibitors in acute HF. (3) Results: SGLT-2 inhibitors induce significant osmotic diuresis and natriuresis, decrease interstitial fluid volume and blood pressure, improve left ventricular (LV) function, ameliorate LV remodeling and prevent atrial arrhythmia occurrence, mechanisms that seem to be beneficial in acute HF. However, currently available studies, including six RCTs and two real-world studies, provide conflicting results concerning the true efficacy of SGLT-2 inhibitors, including "hard" surrogate endpoints. (4) Conclusions: Current evidence appears insufficient to substantiate the use of SGLT-2 inhibitors in acute HF. Further trials are required to shed more light on this issue.

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors and hematopoiesis

Many patients with diabetes mellitus, especially those with chronic kidney disorders, have some degree of anemia due to a spectrum of causes and underlying pathophysiologic pathways. As such, enhancement in erythropoiesis is important in these patients. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a relatively new class of antidiabetic drugs with confirmed protective effects in kidney and cardiovascular tissues. Recent evidence suggests that these drugs may provide additional benefits in enhancing hematopoietic processes in diabetic patients. Though the exact mediating pathways have not been fully elucidated, cellular mechanisms are likely involved. In the current study, we present the potential pathways by which SGLT2i may modulate hematopoiesis and stimulate erythropoiesis.