Effects of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor on Vascular Endothelial and Diastolic Function in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction - Novel Prospective Cohort Study

Effects of Switching From Another Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor to Tofogliflozin on Nocturia in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to characterize the effects of a switch from another sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor to tofogliflozin, which has a shorter half-life, in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes. In particular, we aimed to assess the changes in the frequency of nocturnal urination and other parameters after four months of treatment.

METHODS

A cohort of 31 patients who were taking SGLT2 inhibitors other than tofogliflozin was selected for a switch to tofogliflozin. After four months, their clinical parameters were assessed. In addition, questionnaires were administered to evaluate changes in the frequency of urination during the day, the amount of water intake, and the quality of sleep of the participants at this time point.

RESULTS

Data for 30 of the participants were analyzed. We documented the following comorbid conditions of the urinary system among the participants: prostatic hypertrophy (4, 13%) and prostate cancer (1, 3.3%). The SGLT2 inhibitors that the participants had been using before switching to tofogliflozin were empagliflozin (16, 53%), dapagliflozin (4, 13%), canagliflozin (8, 27%), luseogliflozin (1, 3.3%), and ipragliflozin (1, 3.3%). There was a significant decrease in the frequency of nocturnal urination, from 2.6 ± 0.83 to 2.1 ± 1.3 times (P = 0.014). However, there were no significant changes in any of the other measured parameters from baseline. The questionnaire survey showed that 10 (33%) participants experienced improvements in sleep quality.

CONCLUSIONS

The switch from another SGLT2 inhibitor to tofogliflozin may reduce the frequency of nocturnal urination, implying that it may have a positive impact on the quality of life of patients with type 2 diabetes.

Effects of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors on Intima-Media Thickness: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Beyond glycemic control, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) have been proposed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis is to demonstrate the effects of GLP-1 RA and SGLT2is on intima-media thickness (IMT).

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar databases were searched from inception to September 9, 2023. All interventional and observational studies that provided data on the effects of GLP-1 RAs or SGLT2is on IMT were included. Critical appraisal was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists. IMT changes (preintervention and postintervention) were pooled and meta-analyzed using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were based on type of medication (GLP-1 RA: liraglutide and exenatide; SGLT2i: empagliflozin, ipragliflozin, tofogliflozin, and dapagliflozin), randomized clinical trials (RCTs), and diabetic patients.

Results

The literature search yielded 708 related articles after duplicates were removed. Eighteen studies examined the effects of GLP-1 RA, and eleven examined the effects of SGLT2i. GLP-1 RA and SGLT2i significantly decreased IMT (MD = -0.123, 95% CI (-0.170, -0.076), P < 0.0001, I2 = 98% and MD = -0.048, 95% CI (-0.092, -0.004), P = 0.031, I2 = 95%, respectively). Metaregression showed that IMT change correlated with baseline IMT, whereas it did not correlate with gender, duration of diabetes, and duration of treatment.

Conclusions

Treatment with GLP-1 RA and SGLT2i can lower IMT in diabetic patients, and GLP-1 RA may be more effective than SGLT2i.

Effects of ipragliflozin on left ventricular diastolic function in patients with type 2 diabetes: A sub-analysis of the PROTECT trial

BACKGROUND

We hypothesized that the beneficial effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on diastolic function might depend on baseline left ventricular (LV) systolic function.

METHODS

To investigate the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on LV diastolic function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), we conducted a post-hoc sub-study of the PROTECT trial, stratifying the data according to LV ejection fraction (LVEF) at baseline. After excluding patients without echocardiographic data at baseline or 24 months into the PROTECT trial, 31 and 38 patients with T2DM from the full analysis dataset of the PROTECT trial who received ipragliflozin or no SGLT2 inhibitor (control), respectively, were included. The primary endpoint was a comparison of the changes in echocardiographic parameters and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels from baseline to 24 months between the two groups stratified according to baseline LVEF.

RESULTS

Differences in diastolic functional parameters (e' and E/e') were noted between the two groups. Among the subgroups defined according to median LVEF values, those with higher LVEF (≥60 %) who received ipragliflozin appeared to have a higher e' and lower E/e' than did those who received the standard of care with no SGLT2 inhibitor, indicating longitudinal improvements between baseline and follow up (p = 0.001 and 0.016, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Ipragliflozin generally improved LV diastolic function in patients with type 2 diabetes, the extent of this improvement might appear to vary with LV systolic function.

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

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

Short-Term Dapagliflozin Administration in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease-A Retrospective Single-Arm Case Series Study

Treatment with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors may have pleiotropic and beneficial effects in terms of ameliorating of risk factors for the progression of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). However, there is insufficient evidence regarding the use of these drugs in patients with ADPKD, as they were excluded from several clinical trials conducted to explore kidney protection provided by SGLT2 inhibitors. This retrospective single-arm case series study was performed to investigate the effects of dapagliflozin, a selective SGLT2 inhibitor administered at 10 mg/day, on changes in height-adjusted kidney volume (htTKV) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in ADPKD patients. During a period of 102 ± 20 days (range 70-156 days), eGFR was decreased from 47.9 (39.7-56.9) to 40.8 (33.7-44.5) mL/min/1.73 m2 (p < 0.001), while htTKV was increased from 599 (423-707) to 617 (446-827) mL/m (p = 0.002) (n = 20). The annual increase in htTKV rate was significantly promoted, and urinary phosphate change was found to be correlated with the change in htTKV (rs = 0.575, p = 0.020). In the examined patients, eGFR was decreased and htTKV increased during short-term administration of dapagliflozin. To confirm the possibility of the effects of dapagliflozin on ADPKD, additional interventional studies are required.

Significance of Endothelial Dysfunction Amelioration for Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor-Induced Improvements in Heart Failure and Chronic Kidney Disease in Diabetic Patients

Beyond lowering plasma glucose levels, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) significantly reduce hospitalization for heart failure (HF) and retard the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with type 2 diabetes. Endothelial dysfunction is not only involved in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD), but is also associated with the progression of CKD. In patients with type 2 diabetes, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia and dyslipidemia induce the development of endothelial dysfunction. SGLT2is have been shown to improve endothelial dysfunction, as assessed by flow-mediated vasodilation, in individuals at high risk of CVD. Along with an improvement in endothelial dysfunction, SGLT2is have been shown to improve oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, glucotoxicity, such as the advanced signaling of glycation end products, and nitric oxide bioavailability. The improvements in endothelial dysfunction and such endothelium-derived factors may play an important role in preventing the development of coronary artery disease, coronary microvascular dysfunction and diabetic cardiomyopathy, which cause HF, and play a role in retarding CKD. The suppression of the development of HF and the progression of CKD achieved by SGLT2is might have been largely induced by their capacity to improve vascular endothelial function.

Effects of Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter-2 Inhibitors on Markers of Vascular Damage

Background: Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce cardiovascular morbidity and delay the progression of kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the mechanisms underpinning these benefits are not entirely clear. More specifically, it is uncertain whether these agents exert cardiorenal protective effects through a direct action on the vascular wall. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on markers of subclinical vascular damage. Methods: In total, 40 adult patients with T2DM and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and age- and gender-matched patients with T2DM and GFR > 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were consecutively enrolled. Indices of arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity, augmentation index (AIx), AIx adjusted to a heart rate of 75 beats/min (Alx@75) and central systolic, diastolic, pulse and mean pressure), carotid atherosclerosis (stenosis, intima-media thickness (cIMT) and maximal plaque thickness) and peripheral arterial disease (ankle brachial index (ABI)) were determined. The chi-squared and Mann–Whitney U-test were used to detect differences in categorical and continuous variables between groups, respectively. Results: In total, 15 patients were treated with SGLT2 inhibitors and 25 patients were not receiving these agents. Serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were lower in the former whereas other cardiovascular risk factors, the prevalence of established cardiovascular disease, anthropometric and demographic characteristics, and vital signs did not differ between the 2 groups. The AIx was lower in patients treated with SGLT2 inhibitors (21.9 ± 11.3 vs. 29.7 ± 12% in patients not treated with SGLT2 inhibitors; p < 0.05). The AIx@75 was also lower in the former (21.3 ± 10.9 and 32.6 ± 11.3%, respectively, p < 0.005). Other markers of arterial stiffness were similar in the 2 groups. In addition, markers of carotid atherosclerosis and the ABI did not differ between patients treated and not treated with SGLT2 inhibitors. Conclusions: Treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors appears to reduce arterial stiffness. Accordingly, these agents might improve cardiovascular outcomes not only in patients with T2DM and established cardiorenal disease but also in lower-risk patients.

Improving the Effects of Imeglimin on Endothelial Function: A Prospective, Single-Center, Observational Study

INTRODUCTION

Endothelial dysfunction is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes. We hypothesized that imeglimin, a novel oral hypoglycemic agent, would improve endothelial function.

METHODS

In this study, imeglimin was administered to patients with type 2 diabetes and HbA1c ≥ 6.5% who were not receiving insulin therapy. A meal tolerance test (592 kcal, glucose 75.0 g, fat 28.5 g) was performed before and 3 months after administration, and endothelial function, blood glucose, insulin, glucagon, and triglycerides were evaluated. Endothelial function was assessed by flow-mediated dilation (FMD).

RESULTS

Twelve patients (50% male) with a median age of 55.5 years old (interquartile range [IQR] 51.3-66.0) were enrolled. Fasting FMD did not differ before or 3 months after imeglimin administration (from 6.1 [3.9-8.5] to 6.6 [3.9-9.0], p = 0.092), but 2 h postprandial FMD was significantly improved 3 months after imeglimin administration (from 2.3 [1.9-3.4] to 2.9 [2.4-4.7], p = 0.013). In terms of the glucose profile, imeglimin administration significantly improved HbA1c (from 7.2 ± 0.6% to 6.9 ± 0.6%, p = 0.007), fasting glucose (from 138 ± 19 mg/dL to 128 ± 20 mg/dL, p = 0.020), and 2 h postprandial glucose (from 251 ± 47 mg/dL to 215 ± 68 mg/dL, p = 0.035). The change in 2 h postprandial FMD between before and 3 months after imeglimin administration (Δ2 h postprandial FMD) was negatively correlated with Δ2 h postprandial glucose (r = - 0.653, p = 0.021) in a univariate correlation coefficient analysis. Both patients with and without decreased postprandial glucose 3 months after imeglimin administration had improved postprandial FMD.

CONCLUSION

In this small study, imeglimin administration improved 2 h postprandial FMD. Both glycemic control-dependent and -independent mechanisms might contribute to improved endothelial function.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This research was registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN, UMIN000046311).

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

Key Points

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

Background

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusions

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

Clinical Trial registry name and registration number

NCT05359263

Empagliflozin and Left Ventricular Remodeling in People Without Diabetes: Primary Results of the EMPA-HEART 2 CardioLink-7 Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors have been demonstrated to promote reverse cardiac remodeling in people with diabetes or heart failure. Although it has been theorized that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors might afford similar benefits in people without diabetes or prevalent heart failure, this has not been evaluated. We sought to determine whether sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibition with empagliflozin leads to a decrease in left ventricular (LV) mass in people without type 2 diabetes or significant heart failure.

METHODS

Between April 2021 and January 2022, 169 individuals, 40 to 80 years of age, without diabetes but with risk factors for adverse cardiac remodeling were randomly assigned to empagliflozin (10 mg/d; n=85) or placebo (n=84) for 6 months. The primary outcome was the 6-month change in LV mass indexed (LVMi) to baseline body surface area as measured by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Other measures included 6-month changes in LV end-diastolic and LV end-systolic volumes indexed to baseline body surface area and LV ejection fraction.

RESULTS

Among the 169 participants (141 men [83%]; mean age, 59.3±10.5 years), baseline LVMi was 63.2±17.9 g/m² and 63.8±14.0 g/m² for the empagliflozin- and placebo-assigned groups, respectively. The difference (95% CI) in LVMi at 6 months in the empagliflozin group versus placebo group adjusted for baseline LVMi was -0.30 g/m² (-2.1 to 1.5 g/m²; P=0.74). Median baseline (interquartile range) NT-proBNP (N-terminal-pro B-type natriuretic peptide) was 51 pg/mL (20-105 pg/mL) and 55 pg/mL (21-132 pg/mL) for the empagliflozin- and placebo-assigned groups, respectively. The 6-month treatment effect of empagliflozin versus placebo (95% CI) on blood pressure and NT-proBNP (adjusted for baseline values) were -1.3 mm Hg (-5.2 to 2.6 mm Hg; P=0.52), 0.69 mm Hg (-1.9 to 3.3 mm Hg; P=0.60), and -6.1 pg/mL (-37.0 to 24.8 pg/mL; P=0.70) for systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and NT-proBNP, respectively. No clinically meaningful between-group differences in LV volumes (diastolic and systolic indexed to baseline body surface area) or ejection fraction were observed. No difference in adverse events was noted between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Among people with neither diabetes nor significant heart failure but with risk factors for adverse cardiac remodeling, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibition with empagliflozin did not result in a meaningful reduction in LVMi after 6 months.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov; Unique identifier: NCT04461041.

Influence of the cardio-ankle vascular index on chronic-phase left ventricular dysfunction after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the possible influence of arterial stiffness assessed by the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) on chronic-phase left ventricular dysfunction in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

METHODS

A total of 208 consecutive patients with first STEMI (age, 64 ± 11 years; 86% men) who underwent reperfusion therapy within 12 h of onset were enrolled. We analysed arterial stiffness by measuring CAVI in a stable phase after admission and performed two-dimensional echocardiography at baseline and 7 months' follow-up. Subsequently, we assessed left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) to evaluate left ventricular function. A total of 158 (75.9%) patients underwent baseline cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). We estimated left ventricular infarct size by measuring peak levels of creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), and CMR-late gadolinium enhancement (LGE).

RESULTS

On the basis of the median CAVI value, the patients were allocated into high CAVI (CAVI ≥ 8.575) and low CAVI (CAVI < 8.575) groups. The groups showed no statistically significant differences in LV-GLS at baseline (-13.5% ± 3.1 vs. -13.9% ± 2.7%, P  = 0.324). However, LV-GLS was significantly worse in the high CAVI group than in the low-CAVI group at 7 months (-14.0% ± 2.9 vs. -15.6% ± 3.0%, P  < 0.001). Stratified by CAVI and peak CK-MB or LGE, the four groups showed significant differences in LV-GLS at 7 months after STEMI (both P  < 0.001). Multivariate linear regression analysis with the forced inclusion model showed that CAVI was an independent predictor of LV-GLS at 7 months ( P  = 0.015).

CONCLUSION

CAVI early after STEMI onset was significantly associated with chronic-phase LV-GLS. In addition, combining CAVI with CK-MB or LGE improves its predictive ability for evaluation of chronic-phase LV-GLS. Thus, the arterial stiffness assessment by CAVI was an important factor related to chronic-phase left ventricular dysfunction after the first STEMI.

Endothelial Dysfunction in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: What are the Experimental Proofs?

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has been recognized as the greatest single unmet need in cardiovascular medicine. Indeed, the morbi-mortality of HFpEF is high and as the population ages and the comorbidities increase, so considerably does the prevalence of HFpEF. However, HFpEF pathophysiology is still poorly understood and therapeutic targets are missing. An unifying, but untested, theory of the pathophysiology of HFpEF, proposed in 2013, suggests that cardiovascular risk factors lead to a systemic inflammation, which triggers endothelial cells (EC) and coronary microvascular dysfunction. This cardiac small vessel disease is proposed to be responsible for cardiac wall stiffening and diastolic dysfunction. This paradigm is based on the fact that microvascular dysfunction is highly prevalent in HFpEF patients. More specifically, HFpEF patients have been shown to have decreased cardiac microvascular density, systemic endothelial dysfunction and a lower mean coronary flow reserve. Importantly, impaired coronary microvascular function has been associated with the severity of HF. This review discusses evidence supporting the causal role of endothelial dysfunction in the pathophysiology of HFpEF in human and experimental models.

Pleiotropic effects of SGLT2 inhibitors and heart failure outcomes

Heart failure (HF) represents a major public health concern with increasing prevalence among aging populations, with multifactorial pathophysiology including inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and fibrosis, among others. Lately, the use of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, originally destined for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, have revolutionized the treatment of HF. In this review article, we provide the milestones and the latest mechanistic evidence of SGLT2 inhibition in HF. Owing to the results of experimental studies, several pleiotropic effects of SGLT2 inhibitors have been proposed, including the restoration of autophagy which may be significant in the reversal of the aforementioned HF pathophysiology according to a latest hypotheses. Additional mechanisms consist of the regulation of inflammatory, oxidative, and fibrotic pathways, together with the improvement of endothelial function and reduction of epicardial adipose tissue. Other than their role as antidiabetic agents, a reduction in heart failure hospitalizations has been noted following their use in clinical trials, irrespective of DM status and degree of systolic dysfunction. Upcoming randomized trials are expected to additional clinical and mechanistic evidence regarding the diverse effects of SGLT2 inhibition across the spectrum of heart failure.

The current status of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol for primary prevention of coronary artery disease in late-stage elderly persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A retrospective, single-center study

Aims/Introduction

The importance of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease has recently been reported in the population aged ≥75 years with hypercholesterolemia. Therefore, the current status of LDL‐C management for primary prevention of coronary artery disease in patients aged ≥75 years with type 2 diabetes mellitus was investigated.

Materials and Methods

A total of 124 patients aged ≥75 years who had type 2 diabetes mellitus, but no coronary artery disease, were investigated. The patients' background characteristics, LDL‐C, glycemic status, ankle‐brachial index and cardio‐ankle vascular index were compared between patients taking and not taking LDL‐C‐lowering agents, such as hydroxymethylglutaryl‐CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) and ezetimibe. The details of the antihyperlipidemic and antidiabetic agents used in the present study were also examined.

Results

LDL‐C was significantly lower in patients taking LDL‐C‐lowering agents (LDLCLT[+]) than in patients not taking them (LDLCLT[−]), although LDL‐C was maintained <120 mg/dL in both groups (93.0 mg/dL vs 102.1 mg/dL). Approximately half of the cases in the LDLCLT(+) group received moderate‐intensity statins, with pitavastatin being the most prescribed statin. Glycated hemoglobin was significantly lower in the LDLCLT(+) group than in the LDLCLT(−) group (6.9% vs 7.3%). Sodium‐glucose transporter 2 inhibitors were more frequently used in the LDLCLT(+) group than in the LDLCLT(−) group. The ankle‐brachial index/cardio‐ankle vascular index did not differ between the groups.

Conclusion

Low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was properly managed for primary prevention of coronary artery disease in patients aged ≥75 years with type 2 diabetes mellitus regardless of the presence or absence of LDL‐C‐lowering agents.

Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index and Heart Failure Hospitalization in Patients With Aortic Stenosis Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Background: The cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) is associated with the severity of vascular stiffness and heart failure (HF). However, little is known about CAVI in aortic stenosis (AS) patients, probably because of the difficulty of accurately measuring CAVI in these patients owing to their slow-rising pulse. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and prognostic impact of abnormally elevated CAVI measured after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Methods and Results: Among patients with AS who underwent TAVI, those with bilateral peripheral artery disease, atrial fibrillation, and systolic HF were excluded. The effect of post-TAVI elevated CAVI (defined as ≥9.0) on HF readmission after the index discharge was investigated. In all, 149 patients (mean [±SD] age 84.8±5.6 years, 24.2% men, mean [±SD] post-TAVI CAVI 9.6±1.4) were included in the study. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between groups with and without elevated CAVI, except for lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and a higher prevalence of HF history in the group with elevated CAVI (P<0.05 for both). Post-TAVI elevated CAVI (n=102) was associated with lower freedom from HF recurrence during the observational period (89.1% vs. 100%; median 726 days [interquartile range 329–1,104 days]; P<0.05). Moreover, CAVI was an independent predictor of HF occurrence (hazard ratio 1.62; 95% confidence interval 1.07–2.46; P=0.022).

Conclusions: Elevated CAVI was associated with HF occurrence before and after TAVI.

Effects of SGLT-2 Inhibitors on Vascular Endothelial Function and Arterial Stiffness in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) on endothelial function and arteriosclerosis in diabetic patients.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases to evaluate the effects of SGLT-2i on endothelial function and atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetic patients.

RESULTS

We selected 9 RCTs and 2 cohort studys involving 868 patients. Of these, six studies provided flow-mediated dilation (FMD) levels before and after the intervention. The pooled analysis showed that SGLT-2i could significantly improve the FMD compared to the control group (SMD: 0.18, 95% CI: 0.02 ~ 0.34, P = 0.03). Three studies provided the change in FMD before and after the intervention. Pooled analysis showed no significant differences in FMD change between the SGLT-2i group and the control group. (MD: 2.1, 95%-CI: -0.11~4.31, P = 0.06). Five studies showed pulse wave velocity (PWV) results. Pooled analysis showed no significant differences in the change in PWV between the SGLT-2i group and the control group (SMD: 0.11, 95%-CI: - 0.15 ~ 0.37, P = 0.4).

CONCLUSIONS

The ability of SGLT-2 inhibitors to improve FMD was significant, but there was no significant effect on PWV levels. SGLT-2i was superior to other antidiabetic agents in improving arterial endothelial function.

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

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

Cardiovascular Benefits from Gliflozins: Effects on Endothelial Function

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a known independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) and solid epidemiological evidence points to heart failure (HF) as one of the most common complications of diabetes. For this reason, it is imperative to consider the prevention of CV outcomes as an effective goal for the management of diabetic patients, as important as lowering blood glucose. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is an early event of atherosclerosis involving adhesion molecules, chemokines, and leucocytes to enhance low-density lipoprotein oxidation, platelet activation, and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration. This abnormal vascular phenotype represents an important risk factor for the genesis of any complication of diabetes, contributing to the pathogenesis of not only macrovascular disease but also microvascular damage. Gliflozins are a novel class of anti-hyperglycemic agents used for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) that selectively inhibit the sodium glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) in the kidneys and have provoked large interest in scientific community due to their cardiovascular beneficial effects, whose underlying pathophysiology is still not fully understood. This review aimed to analyze the cardiovascular protective mechanisms of SGLT2 inhibition in patients T2DM and their impact on endothelial function.

Pathophysiological Association between Diabetes Mellitus and Endothelial Dysfunction

Endothelial dysfunction plays a critical role in atherosclerosis progression, leading to cardiovascular complications. There are significant associations between diabetes mellitus, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction. Oxidative stress is increased by chronic hyperglycemia and acute glucose fluctuations induced by postprandial hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes mellitus. In addition, selective insulin resistance in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt/endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase pathway in endothelial cells is involved in decreased NO production and increased endothelin-1 production from the endothelium, resulting in endothelial dysfunction. In a clinical setting, selecting an appropriate therapeutic intervention that improves or augments endothelial function is important for preventing diabetic vascular complications. Hypoglycemic drugs that reduce glucose fluctuations by decreasing the postprandial rise in blood glucose levels, such as glinides, α-glucosidase inhibitors and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors, and hypoglycemic drugs that ameliorate insulin sensitivity, such as thiazolidinediones and metformin, are expected to improve or augment endothelial function in patients with diabetes. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, metformin, and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors may improve endothelial function through multiple mechanisms, some of which are independent of glucose control or insulin signaling. Oral administration of antioxidants is not recommended in patients with diabetes due to the lack of evidence for the efficacy against diabetic complications.

Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors in Vascular Biology: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are new antidiabetic drugs that reduce hyperglycemia by inhibiting the glucose reabsorption in renal proximal tubules. Clinical studies have shown that SGLT2 inhibitors not only improve glycemic control but also reduce major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE, cardiovascular and total mortality, fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction or stroke) and hospitalization for heart failure (HF), and improve outcome in chronic kidney disease. These cardiovascular and renal benefits have now been confirmed in both diabetes and non-diabetes patients. The precise mechanism(s) responsible for the protective effects are under intensive investigation. This review examines current evidence on the cardiovascular benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors, with a special emphasis on the vascular actions and their potential mechanisms.

Rationale and design of the randomised controlled cross-over trial: Cardiovascular effects of empaglifozin in diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease. In patients with T2D and established CV disease, selective inhibitors of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) have been shown to decrease CV and all-cause mortality, and heart failure (HF) admissions. Utilising CV magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) by FreeStyle Libre Pro Sensor, we aim to explore the mechanisms of action which give Empagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, its beneficial CV effects and compare these to the effects of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor Sitagliptin.

METHODS

This is a single centre, open-label, cross-over trial conducted at the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Participants are randomised for the order of treatment and receive 3 months therapy with Empagliflozin, and 3 months therapy with Sitagliptin sequentially. Twenty-eight eligible T2D patients with established ischaemic heart disease will be recruited. Patients undergo serial CMR scans on three visits.

DISCUSSION

The primary outcome measure is the myocardial perfusion reserve in remote myocardium. We hypothesise that Empaglifozin treatment is associated with improvements in myocardial blood flow and reductions in myocardial interstitial fibrosis, independent of CGM measured glycemic control in patients with T2D and established CV disease.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study has full research ethics committee approval (REC: 18/YH/0190) and data collection is anticipated to finish in December 2021. This study was retrospectively registered at https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN82391603 and monitored by the University of Leeds. The study results will be submitted for publication within 6 months of completion.