Dapagliflozin: a novel sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitor for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies examining the effects of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors on peripheral artery disease and risk of amputations

AIM

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2is) are used to maintain glycaemic control as well as for their beneficial cardiovascular and renal effects in diabetes patients. However, increased risk of amputation and peripheral artery disease (PAD) have been observed with the use of some SGLT-2is. A meta-analysis was conducted to understand the effect of SGLT-2is on amputation and PAD events using data from randomized controlled trials (RCT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted using Medline and Central databases for RCTs that involved the administration of SGLT-2is versus placebo/active comparators to diabetic patients. The primary outcome was amputation events and PAD. A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled odds ratio, and subgroup analyses was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 51 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis with data from 97 589 patients. Meta-analysis of the data showed that there was a significant increase in PAD risk (p = 0.04) but no significant increase in amputation risk with SGLT-2i use versus placebo/active comparators (p = 0.43). Subgroup analyses demonstrated no significant difference between SGLT-2i type, duration of treatment or patient risk factors on amputation or PAD incidence. However, length of drug treatment (> 100 weeks) was associated with a significant increase in both PAD and amputation risks in the SGLT-2i treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the meta-analysis showed no significant association between SGLT-2i use and PAD and amputation risks in diabetic patients when used for shorter treatment durations.

Dual add-on therapy of gemigliptin and dapagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metformin alone: The SOLUTION 2 study

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of gemigliptin and dapagliflozin dual add-on therapy (GEMI + DAPA) to metformin in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients who had inadequate glycaemic control on metformin alone, compared with a single add-on of either gemigliptin (GEMI) or dapagliflozin (DAPA) to metformin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, active-controlled, parallel-group, phase 3 study, 469 T2D patients treated with a stable dose of metformin for 8 weeks or longer were randomized to receive GEMI + DAPA (n = 157) and either GEMI (n = 156) or DAPA (n = 156). The primary endpoint was change in HbA1c levels from baseline at week 24.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics including body mass index and T2D duration were similar among groups. At week 24, the least square mean changes in HbA1c from baseline were -1.34% with GEMI + DAPA, -0.90% with GEMI (difference between GEMI + DAPA vs. GEMI -0.44% [95% confidence interval {CI}: -0.58% to -0.31%], P < .01) and -0.78% with DAPA (difference between GEMI + DAPA vs. DAPA -0.56% [95% CI: -0.69% to -0.42%], P < .01). Both upper CIs were less than 0, demonstrating the superiority of GEMI + DAPA for lowering HbA1c. The rates of responders achieving HbA1c less than 7% and less than 6.5% were greater with GEMI + DAPA (84.9%, 56.6%) than with GEMI (55.3%, 32.2%) and DAPA (49.3%, 15.3%). The incidence rate of adverse events was similar across groups, with low incidence rates of hypoglycaemia, urinary tract infection and genital infection.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the addition of GEMI + DAPA to metformin as triple combination therapy was effective, safe and well-tolerated, especially for T2D patients who experienced poor glycaemic control on metformin alone.

Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis associated with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction following SGLT-2 inhibitor therapy

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors are the latest approved class of oral antidiabetic agents that inhibit renal SGLT-2 receptors and increase urinary glucose excretion in the luminal membrane of the proximal tubule. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a triad of hyperglycemia, ketosis, and a high anion gap with metabolic acidosis. We present the case of 61 years-old men with severe euglycemic DKA (EDKA) complicated ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction following SGLT-2 inhibitor therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Atypical presentation of ketoacidosis without hyperglycemia can delay diagnosis and may result in catastrophic complications. Quick diagnosis, appropriate clinical and biochemical assessment, and effective treatment protocols ensure successful resolution of EDKA.

Association of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors with Osteomyelitis and Other Lower Limb Safety Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials

Our aim was to evaluate osteomyelitis and other major lower limb safety outcomes (i.e., peripheral artery disease or PAD, ulcers, atraumatic fractures, amputations, symmetric polyneuropathy, and infections) in patients affected by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and treated with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2-is). We thus performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing SGLT2-is at approved doses for T2DM with a placebo or standard of care. MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched through August 2022. Separate intention-to-treat analyses were implemented for each molecule to calculate Mantel-Haenszel risk ratios (RR_MH) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) through a random-effects model. We processed data from 42 RCTs for a total of 29,491 and 23,052 patients, respectively assigned to SGLT2-i and comparator groups. SGLT2-is showed a pooled neutral effect on osteomyelitis, PAD, fractures, and symmetric polyneuropathy, whereas slightly deleterious sway on ulcers (RR_MH 1.39 [1.01-1.91]), amputations (RR_MH 1.27 [1.04-1.55]), and infections (RR_MH 1.20 [1.02-1.40]). In conclusion, SGLT2-is appear to not significantly interfere with the onset of osteomyelitis, PAD, lower limb fractures, or symmetric polyneuropathy, even though the number of these events proved consistently higher in the investigational groups; otherwise, local ulcers, amputations, and overall infections may be favoured by their employment. This study is registered with the Open Science Framework (OSF).

Efficacy of Gemigliptin Add-on to Dapagliflozin and Metformin in Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study (SOLUTION)

BACKGRUOUND

This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of add-on gemigliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who had inadequate glycemic control with metformin and dapagliflozin.

METHODS

In this randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, double-blind, phase III study, 315 patients were randomized to receive either gemigliptin 50 mg (n=159) or placebo (n=156) with metformin and dapagliflozin for 24 weeks. After the 24-week treatment, patients who received the placebo were switched to gemigliptin, and all patients were treated with gemigliptin for an additional 28 weeks.

RESULTS

The baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups, except for body mass index. At week 24, the least squares mean difference (standard error) in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) changes was -0.66% (0.07) with a 95% confidence interval of -0.80% to -0.52%, demonstrating superior HbA1c reduction in the gemigliptin group. After week 24, the HbA1c level significantly decreased in the placebo group as gemigliptin was administered, whereas the efficacy of HbA1c reduction was maintained up to week 52 in the gemigliptin group. The safety profiles were similar: the incidence rates of treatment-emergent adverse events up to week 24 were 27.67% and 29.22% in the gemigliptin and placebo groups, respectively. The safety profiles after week 24 were similar to those up to week 24 in both groups, and no new safety findings, including hypoglycemia, were noted.

CONCLUSION

Add-on gemigliptin was well tolerated, providing comparable safety profiles and superior efficacy in glycemic control over placebo for long-term use in patients with T2DM who had poor glycemic control with metformin and dapagliflozin.

A Comparison of the Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Dapagliflozin Formate, an Ester Prodrug of Dapagliflozin, to Dapagliflozin Propanediol Monohydrate in Healthy Subjects

Background

Dapagliflozin formate (DAP-FOR, DA-2811), an ester prodrug of dapagliflozin, was developed to improve the stability and pharmaceutical manufacturing process of dapagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor.

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PKs) and safety of dapagliflozin for DAP-FOR compared to those for dapagliflozin propanediol monohydrate (DAP-PDH, Forxiga) in healthy subjects.

Methods

This was an open-label, randomized, single-dose, two-period, two-sequence crossover study. The subjects received a single dose of DAP-FOR or DAP-PDH 10 mg in each period, with a 7-day washout. Serial blood samples for PK analysis were collected up to 48 hours after a single administration to determine plasma concentrations of DAP-FOR and dapagliflozin. PK parameters were calculated using a non-compartmental method and compared between the two drugs.

Results

In total, 28 subjects completed the study. DAP-FOR plasma concentrations were not detected in all of the blood sampling time points except for one time point in one subject, and the corresponding DAP-FOR plasma concentration in the subject was close to the lower limit of quantification. The mean plasma concentration-time profiles of dapagliflozin were comparable between the two drugs. The geometric mean ratios and its 90% confidence intervals of the maximum plasma concentration and area under the plasma concentration-time curve of dapagliflozin for DAP-FOR to DAP-PDH were within the conventional bioequivalence range of 0.80-1.25. Both drugs were well-tolerated, with a similar incidence of adverse drug reactions.

Conclusion

The rapid conversion of DAP-FOR into dapagliflozin led to the extremely low exposure of DAP-FOR and comparable PK profiles of dapagliflozin between DAP-FOR and DAP-PDH. The safety profiles were also similar between the two drugs. These results suggest that DAP-FOR can be used as an alternative to DAP-PDH.

Dapagliflozin-Associated Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis in a Patient Who Underwent Surgery for Pancreatic Carcinoma: A Case Report

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), an acute and life-threatening complication of diabetes, is a metabolic disorder caused by insulin deficiency and an increase in counter-regulatory hormones. Several cases of DKA without marked hyperglycemia have been reported and are defined as euglycemic DKA (eu-DKA). The use of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) is associated with the occurrence of eu-DKA, of which, dapagliflozin is one of the agents. In this study, we report a case of dapagliflozin-associated eu-DKA following surgery for pancreatic carcinoma. A 57-year-old woman presented with acute abdominal pain after surgery for pancreatic carcinoma. Emergency exploratory laparotomy was performed because of suspicion of gastrointestinal perforation based on a CT scan. The surgeons observed that the stomach was significantly dilated but not perforated. Meanwhile, the patient developed shock and severe acidosis. A further examination confirmed the diagnosis of dapagliflozin-associated eu-DKA. We reviewed the precipitating factors and mechanisms of SGLT2i-associated eu-DKA and discussed the treatment and prevention of this condition. Clinicians need to be alert of the occurrence of SGLT2i-associated eu-DKA in patients treated with this drug in the perioperative period.

Dapagliflozin-Associated Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis Presenting With Severe Abdominal Pain Mimicking Acute Peritonitis

Euglycemic diabetic keto acidosis (eu-DKA) is a rare but life-threatening metabolic complication associated with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor therapy, especially in the setting of extreme physical stress. Due to no apparent hyperglycemia, the significant risk of delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis exists within patients. Herein, we report a novel case of dapagliflozin-associated eu-DKA with unusual presentation. A 57-year-old female with a six-year history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), for which metformin and dapagliflozin were prescribed, developed severe abdominal pain and signs of acute peritonitis without obvious hyperglycemia after distal pancreatectomy. Based on CT scan and laboratory studies, gastrointestinal tract perforation was suspected but was excluded during laparotomy. Severe metabolic acidosis and strong positive urine ketone indicated diabetic keto acidosis. The patient recovered after active therapy with an intravenous insulin infusion, antibiotics and correction of hypotension, electrolyte imbalance and acidosis. This case provides a new reference for clinicians and surgeons to be concerned with eu-DKA with severe abdominal pain as the main symptom.

The Role of SGLT2 Inhibitors in Atherosclerosis: A Narrative Mini-Review

Objective: Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2-is) are antidiabetic drugs that improve glycemic control by limiting urinary glucose reuptake in the proximal tubule. SGLT2-is might suppress atherosclerotic processes and ameliorate the prognosis of patients with diabetes mellitus diagnosed with or at high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). In this mini review, we examine the role of SGLT2-is in the development and progression of atherosclerosis throughout its spectrum, from subclinical atherosclerosis to ASCVD.

Data Sources—PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for publications related to SGLT2-is and atherosclerosis. All types of articles were considered, including clinical trials, animal studies, in vitro observations, and reviews and meta-analyses. Data were examined according to their impact and clinical relevance.

Synopsis of Content—We first review the underlying mechanisms of SGLT2-is on the development and progression of atherosclerosis, including favorable effects on lipid metabolism, reduction of systemic inflammation, and improvement of endothelial function. We then discuss the putative impact of SGLT2-is on the formation, composition, and stability of atherosclerotic plaque. Furthermore, we evaluate the effects of SGLT2-is in subclinical atherosclerosis assessed by carotid intima media thickness and pulse wave velocity. Subsequently, we summarize the effects of SGLT2-is in ASCVD events, including ischemic stroke, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, revascularization, and peripheral artery disease, as well as major adverse cardiovascular events, cardiovascular mortality, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. Moreover, we examine factors that could modify the role of SGLT2-is in atherosclerosis, including sex, age, diabetes, glycemic control, ASCVD, and SGLT2-i compounds. Additionally, we propose future directions that can improve our understanding of SGLT2-is and atherosclerosis.

Effect of taxifolin/dapagliflozin combination on colistin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Colistin is an antimicrobial agent that is used in resistant gram-negative infections. Its most common dose-limiting adverse effect is nephrotoxicity. The objective of our study was to explore the possible effects of each of taxifolin and dapagliflozin alone and in combination on colistin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Sixty male rats were randomized into six groups: Control; colistin; colistin + taxifolin; colistin + dapagliflozin; colistin + carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and colistin + taxifolin + dapagliflozin. Dapagliflozin, taxifolin, and CMC were given daily for 7 days, 4 hours before colistin injection. Kidney weight/body weight ratio and renal function tests were determined. Renal tissue nerve growth factor-β (NGF-β), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), proinflammatory cytokines, nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), oxidative stress parameters, beclin-1 and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) activities were measured. Kidneys were examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically. Taxifolin and/or dapagliflozin induced significant improvement in the renal functions and oxidative stress parameters with significant increase in tissue Nrf2, STAT3 and NGF-β accompanied with significant decrease in kidney weight/body weight ratio, tissue proinflammatory cytokines, TGF-β1, NF-κB (p65), TLR4, beclin-1 and JNK activities and improved the histopathological picture when compared to rats treated with colistin alone. This improvement was significant with taxifolin/dapagliflozin combination compared to rats treated with each of these agents alone. So, we concluded that the combined use of taxifolin and dapagliflozin may confer a therapeutic tool for attenuation of colistin-induced nephrotoxicity.

Effects of diabetes on the development of radiation pneumonitis

Radiation pneumonia (RP) is a common adverse reaction to radiation therapy in patients with chest tumors. Recent studies have shown that diabetes mellitus (DM), which can cause systemic multisystem damage, specifically targets lungs, and the incidence of RP in patients with a history of diabetes is higher than that in other patients with tumors who have undergone radiotherapy. DM is an important risk factor for RP in tumor patients undergoing RT, and patients with DM should be treated with caution. This article reviews research on the clinical aspects, as well as the mechanism, of the effects of diabetes on RP and suggests future research needed to reduce RP.

Fluorophore-Dapagliflozin Dyad for Detecting Diabetic Liver/Kidney Damages via Fluorescent Imaging and Treating Diabetes via Inhibiting SGLT2

Type II diabetes is a prevalent disease; if left untreated, it could cause serious complications including liver and kidney damages. Hence, early diagnosis for these damages and effective treatment of diabetes are of high importance. Herein, a fluorophore-dapagliflozin dyad (DX-B-DA) has been developed as a theranostic system that can be triggered by intrahepatic/intrarenal reactive oxygen species (ROS) to concomitantly release a near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent dye (DX) and a SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin (DA). In this dyad (DX-B-DA), the NIR fluorophore (DX) and the drug DA were covalently linked through a boronate ester bond which serves as the fluorescence quencher as well as the ROS-responsive moiety that can be cleaved by pathological levels of ROS in diabetics. The in vitro experiments indicate that, in the absence of hydrogen peroxide, the dyad is weakly emissive and keeps its drug moiety in an inactive state, while upon responding to hydrogen peroxide, the dyad simultaneously releases the NIR dye and the drug DA, suggesting that it can serve as an activatable probe for detecting and imaging diabetic liver/kidney damages as well as a prodrug for diabetes treatment upon being triggered by ROS. The dyad was then injected in mouse model of type II diabetes, and it is found that the dyad can not only offer visualized diagnosis for diabetes-induced liver/kidney damages but also exhibit high efficacy in treating type II diabetes and consequently ameliorating diabetic liver/kidney damages.

Blood Pressure-Lowering Effect of Newer Antihyperglycemic Agents (SGLT-2 Inhibitors, GLP-1 Receptor Agonists, and DPP-4 Inhibitors)

The prevalence of arterial hypertension is high in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). When DM and hypertension coexist, they constitute a dual cardiovascular threat and should be adequately controlled. Novel antihyperglycemic agents, including sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, have recently been used in the treatment of DM. Beyond their glucose-lowering effects, these drugs have shown beneficial pleiotropic cardiovascular effects, including lowering of arterial blood pressure (BP), as acknowledged in the 2019 European Society of Cardiology/European Association for the Study of Diabetes guidelines on diabetes, prediabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this review was to summarize the available information on the BP-reducing effects of these new glucose-lowering drug classes and provide a brief report on underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. We also compare the three drug classes (SGLT-2 inhibitors, GLP-1 RAs, and DPP-4 inhibitors) in terms of their BP-lowering effect and show that the greater BP reduction seems to be achieved with SGLT-2 inhibitors, whereas DPP-4 inhibitors have probably the mildest antihypertensive effect.

Peripheral Artery Disease in Diabetes Mellitus: Focus on Novel Treatment Options

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and peripheral artery disease (PAD) are two clinical entities closely associated. They share many pathophysiological pathways such as inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress and pro-coagulative unbalance. Emerging data focusing on agents targeting these pathways may be promising. Moreover, due to the increased cardiovascular risk, there is a growing interest in cardiovascular and "pleiotropic" effects of novel glucose lowering drugs. This review summarizes the main clinical features of PAD in patients, the diagnostic process and current medical/interventional approaches, ranging from "classical treatment" to novel agents.

Visible-Light-Induced Pd-Catalyzed Radical Strategy for Constructing C-Vinyl Glycosides

A novel visible-light-induced palladium-catalyzed Heck reaction for bromine sugars and aryl olefins with high regio- and stereochemistry selectivity for the preparation of C-glycosyl styrene is described. This reaction takes place in one step at room temperature by using a simple and readily available starting material. This protocol can be scaled up to a wide range of glycosyl bromide donors and aryl olefin substrates. Mechanistic studies indicate that a radical addition pathway is involved.

Dapagliflozin-associated euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis in a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A case report

RATIONALE

Rare cases of euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (eu-DKA) have been reported after the administration of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors. No reports have described eu-DKA complicated by hypernatremia due to SGLT-2 inhibitors.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 76-year-old woman with a 40-year history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), for which metformin (1000 mg/day) and dapagliflozin (10 mg/day) were prescribed, presented with malaise, fever, and oliguria. On presentation, her white blood cell count (11,800/μL), serum creatinine (3.2 mg/dL), and C-reactive protein (54 mg/L) were abnormal. Bilateral pyeloureteritis and diffuse paralytic ileus were present. She received intravenous antibiotics and total parenteral nutrition, and was asked to fast. Her renal function and ileus briefly improved. Oral hypoglycemic agents, metformin and dapagliflozin, along with enteral feeding were reinstituted on day 3 of hospitalization. However, on day 6 of hospitalization, the patient developed an altered state of consciousness including confusion, lethargy, and stupor. Several laboratory abnormalities suggestive of ketoacidosis with euglycemia were noted.

DIAGNOSES

The patient was diagnosed with eu-DKA accompanied by severe hypernatremia (corrected serum Na concentration, 163 mEq/L) and hypokalemia following dapagliflozin re-administration.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was treated with indicated intravenous fluid therapy. Dapagliflozin use was discontinued.

OUTCOMES

The patient's mental status and laboratory findings improved gradually, and she was discharged on maintenance doses of insulin and metformin on day 14 of hospitalization.

LESSONS

Acute illnesses such as diffuse paralytic ileus and urinary tract infection, and dietary restrictions or fasting in patients with DM can be considered potential predisposing factors for SGLT-2 inhibitor-associated eu-DKA. For patients with diabetes in the setting of acute morbidity, timely resumption of the SGLT-2 inhibitor therapy should be carefully determined. In addition, eu-DKA due to SGLT-2 inhibitor use may be accompanied by electrolyte disturbances such as hypernatremia and hypokalemia.

Turning Foes to Friends: Knocking Down Diabetes Associated SGLT2 Transporters and Sustaining Life

BACKGROUND

The discovery of Sodium-Glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors had rewritten the treatment of diabetes mellitus with an impressive fall in the incidence of death and associated complications.

INTRODUCTION

The SGLT2 inhibitors by inhibiting the SGLT2 in the proximal nephron, helps in reducing the reabsorption of approximately 90% of the filtered glucose and increased urinary glucose excretion (UGE).

METHODS

The literature related to SGLT2 inhibitors has been thoroughly explored from various available public domains and reviewed extensively for this article. Detailed and updated information related to SGLT2 inhibitors with a major focus on the recently approved Ertuglifolzin is structured in this review.

RESULT

The present review is an effort to understand the management of diabetes mellitus over the past few decades with a special focus on the role of SGLT2 receptor in the causes of therapeutic and preventive strategies for diabetes mellitus. Pragmatic placement of the currently available Canagliflozin, Dapagliflozin, and Empagliflozin as oral antidiabetic agents has been done. Well accommodated stereochemistry and a high docking score of Ertugliflozin in ligand-receptor simulation studies attribute to its high potency.

CONCLUSION

This review highlights the unique mechanism of SGLT2 Inhibitors coupled with pleiotropic benefits on weight and blood pressure, which make it an attractive choice of therapy to diabetic patients, not controlled by other medications.

Peripheral artery disease and amputations with Sodium-Glucose co-Transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Concerns have been raised on the risk of lower limb amputations with SGLT-2 inhibitors. Aim of the present metanalysis is the assessment of the effect of SGLT-2inhibitors on peripheral artery disease and lower limb amputations in randomized controlled trials performed in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

A Medline and Embase search for "Canaglifozin" OR "Dapaglifozin" OR "Empaglifozin" OR "Ertuglifozin" OR "Ipraglifozin" OR Tofoglifozin" OR "Luseoglifozin" was performed, collecting randomized clinical trials (duration > 12 weeks) up to December 1st, 2018, comparing SGLT-2i at approved dose with placebo or other active comparators different from SGLT-2 inhibitors. Furthermore, unpublished studies were searched in the www.clinicaltrials.gov register. Separate analyses were performed for individual molecules of the class. In addition, a separate analysis was performed for placebo-controlled trials. Mantel-Haenszel odds ratio with 95% Confidence Interval (MH-OR) was calculated for all outcomes defined above.

RESULTS

A total of 27 trials fulfilling the inclusion criteria was identified. The overall incidence of peripheral artery disease was increased with SGLT-2 inhibitors (MH-OR: 1.26 [1.04, 1.52]). The increase of risk was statistically significant only with canagliflozin. MH-OR for amputation in the three cardiovascular safety trials with SGLT-2 inhibitors was 1.22 [0.59-2.52].

CONCLUSIONS

At present, there is no reason to believe that empagliflozin or dapagliflozin increase the risk of either peripheral artery disease of lower limb amputations. Canagliflozin could be associated with a specific risk, which needs to be further investigated.

Empagliflozin influences blood viscosity and wall shear stress in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus compared with incretin-based therapy

Background

Cardiovascular protection following empagliflozin therapy is not entirely attributable to the glucose lowering effect. Increased hematocrit might influence the shear stress that is the main force acting on the endothelium, regulating its anti-atherogenic function.

Objective

We designed the study with the aim of investigating the effect of empagliflozin on blood viscosity and shear stress in the carotid arteries. A secondary endpoint was the effect of empagliflozin on carotid artery wall thickness.

Methods

The study was a non-randomized, open, prospective cohort study including 35 type 2 diabetic outpatients who were offered empagliflozin or incretin-based therapy (7 liraglutide, 8 sitagliptin) in combination with insulin and metformin. Blood viscosity, shear stress and carotid wall thickness were measured at baseline and at 1 and 3 months of treatment. Blood viscosity was measured with a viscometer, and shear stress was calculated using a validated formula. Intima-media thickness (IMT) of the carotid artery was detected by ultrasound and was measured with dedicated software.

Results

Blood viscosity (4.87 ± 0.57 vs 5.32 ± 0.66 cP, p < 0.02) and shear stress significantly increased in the Empagliflozin group while no change was detected in the Control group (4.66 ± 0.56 vs 4.98 ± 0.73 cP, p = NS). IMT significantly decreased in the Empagliflozin group after 1 and 3 months (baseline: 831 ± 156, 1-month 793 ± 150, 3-month 766 ± 127 μm; p < 0.0001), while in the liraglutide group, IMT significantly decreased only after 3 months (baseline 879 ± 120; 1-month 861 ± 163; 3-month 802 ± 114 μm; p < 0.001). In the sitagliptin group, IMT remained almost unchanged (baseline 901 ± 135; 1-month 902 ± 129; 3-month 880 ± 140 μm; p = NS).

Conclusions

This study is the first to describe a direct effect of empagliflozin on blood viscosity and wall shear stress. Furthermore, IMT was markedly reduced early on in the Empagliflozin group.

Role of the sodium-hydrogen exchanger in mediating the renal effects of drugs commonly used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Diabetes is characterized by increased activity of the sodium-hydrogen exchanger (NHE) in the glomerulus and renal tubules, which contributes importantly to the development of nephropathy. Despite the established role played by the exchanger in experimental studies, it has not been specifically targeted by those seeking to develop novel pharmacological treatments for diabetes. This review demonstrates that many existing drugs that are commonly prescribed to patients with diabetes act on the NHE1 and NHE3 isoforms in the kidney. This action may explain their effects on sodium excretion, albuminuria and the progressive decline of glomerular function in clinical trials; these responses cannot be readily explained by the influence of these drugs on blood glucose. Agents that may affect the kidney in diabetes by virtue of an action on NHE include: (1) insulin and insulin sensitizers; (2) incretin-based agents; (3) sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors; (4) antagonists of the renin-angiotensin system (angiotensin converting-enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers and angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors); and (5) inhibitors of aldosterone action and cholesterol synthesis (spironolactone, amiloride and statins). The renal effects of each of these drug classes in patients with type 2 diabetes may be related to a single shared biological mechanism.

Effects of Dapagliflozin on Body Composition and Liver Tests in Patients with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Associated with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective, Open-label, Uncontrolled Study

Background

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an active form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Risk factors for NASH include type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors used to treat T2DM prevent glucose reabsorption in the kidney and increase glucose urinary excretion. Dapagliflozin is a potent, selective SGLT2 inhibitor that reduces hyperglycemia in patients with T2DM and has been demonstrated to reduce some complications associated with NASH in rodent models.

Objective

To assess the efficacy and safety profile of dapagliflozin for the treatment of NASH-associated with T2DM.

Methods

In this single-arm, nonrandomized, open-label study, 16 patients with percutaneous liver biopsy-confirmed NASH and T2DM were enrolled to be prescribed dapagliflozin 5 mg/d for 24 weeks. Of these, 11 patients were evaluable. Patients with chronic liver disease other than NASH were excluded. Body composition, laboratory variables related to liver tests and metabolism, and glucose homeostasis were assessed at baseline and periodically during the study. Changes from baseline were evaluated with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results

Administration of dapagliflozin for 24 weeks was associated with significant decreases in body mass index (P < 0.01), waist circumference (P < 0.01), and waist-to-hip ratio (P < 0.01). Changes in body composition were driven by reductions in body fat mass (P < 0.01) and percent body fat (P < 0.01), without changes in lean mass or total body water. Liver tests (ie, serum concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, ferritin, and type IV collagen 7S) also significantly improved during the study. Insulin concentrations decreased (P < 0.01 by Week 24) in combination with significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose (P < 0.01) and glycated hemoglobin (P < 0.01) levels and increases in adiponectin (P < 0.01) levels from Week 4 onward.

Conclusions

Dapagliflozin was associated with improvements in body composition, most likely a reduction in visceral fat, which occurred together with improvements in liver tests and metabolic variables in patients with NASH-associated with T2DM.

UMIN Clinical Trial Registry identifier: UMIN000023574.

Novel SGLT2 inhibitor: first-in-man studies of antisense compound is associated with unexpected renal effects

The antisense compound ISIS 388626 selectively inhibits renal glucose reabsorption by inhibiting the sodium–glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT2) mRNA expression. It is developed as an insulin‐independent treatment approach for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics after subcutaneous administration of the drug were planned to be evaluated in healthy volunteers in a single‐ascending‐dose study (50–400 mg) and a multiple‐ascending‐dose study (6 weeks; weekly doses of 50–400 mg with loading dose regimen of three doses during the first week). The study was halted early because increases in serum creatinine occurred in the subjects participating in the 100 mg multiple‐dose cohort. The pronounced changes in serum creatinine were accompanied by increased urinary excretion of beta‐2‐microglobulin and KIM1. The possible mechanisms for these findings remain elusive and are in contrast to preclinical findings as comparable treatment with ISIS 388626 of animals did not reveal similar changes. Although exposure was limited, there was an indication that glucosuria increased upon active treatment. Before the concept of antisense‐mediated blocking of SGLT2 with ISIS 388626 can be explored further, more preclinical data are needed to justify further investigations.

Evaluation of metabolic parameters and body composition in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were administered tofogliflozin for 48 weeks

Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors are unique antihyperglycemic agents that cause osmotic diuresis and calorie loss to urine. We previously reported that administration of tofogliflozin, a sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, for 8 weeks decreased fat-free mass without affecting fat mass. We thus investigated the impact of tofogliflozin on metabolic parameters and body composition for 48 weeks in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This single-arm open-label study enrolled 20 patients. Patients received tofogliflozin 20 mg once daily for 48 weeks. At week 48, changes in metabolic parameters and body composition from baseline were evaluated. Two patients discontinued administration due to adverse events during the first 8 weeks; however, no other adverse events occurred after that period. Seventeen patients completed the 48 weeks of administration of tofogliflodin. Body weight and body mass index decreased during the treatment period. Hemoglobin A1c decreased from 7.8% to 7.1%. The degree of improvement in hemoglobin A1c was correlated with body mass index, fat mass, and plasma glucose level at baseline. As for body composition, fat mass decreased without any change in fat-free mass (including total body water, extracellular water, and intracellular water). Red blood cell count and hematocrit increased, while the estimated glomerular filtration rate decreased. ALT and γ-GTP decreased and the decrease in γ-GTP was correlated with the loss of fat mass. In conclusion, our study clearly suggests that the body weight reduction caused by tofogliflozin administration for 48 weeks was almost entirely due to fat mass dissipation.

Efficacy and safety of canagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Canagliflozin is a new SGLT2 inhibitor which has been approved as an adjunct to diet and exercise for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) mellitus in more than 30 countries. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of canagliflozin in patients with T2D, we carried out a meta-analysis of phase III clinical trials to offer an additional evidence of the efficacy and safety of canagliflozin for evidence-based clinical practice, strictly restricting the treatment durations to 26 weeks (core period) and 52 weeks (extension period).

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English were searched in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library database (before April 2016). The studies reporting the efficacy and safety of canagliflozin in patients with T2DM were considered. Two authors separately performed data extraction. The differences were discussed and resolved. Pooled weighted mean differences (WMDs) or relative risks and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed by using either fixed- or random-effects models.

RESULTS

At the end of the selection process, 7 RCTs were collected and included in the present analysis. Placebo-subtracted WMDs (%) of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were -0.63 (95% CI: -0.77, -0.49) and -0.80 (95% CI: -0.98, -0.62) for canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg, respectively, from baseline to week 26. At week 26, canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg significantly reduced the body weight from baseline when compared with that of placebo, with a WMD of -2.23 and -3.00 in percent changes (P < 0.001 for both). The fasting and postmeal glucose, blood pressure (BP), and triglycerides were also reduced. These reductions were sustained over 52 weeks but had no significant differences between the 100 and 300 mg doses. The overall safety of canagliflozin was good, with the exception of high incidence of genital mycotic infections and osmotic diuresis-related adverse events.

CONCLUSION

Canagliflozin was found to reduce HbA1c, fasting and postmeal glucose, body weight, BP, and triglycerides, and it was generally well tolerated in patients with T2DM.

Effect of Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitor, Dapagliflozin, on Renal Renin-Angiotensin System in an Animal Model of Type 2 Diabetes

Background

Renal renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activation is one of the important pathogenic mechanisms in the development of diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor, dapagliflozin, on renal RAS in an animal model with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Dapagliflozin (1.0 mg/kg, OL-DA) or voglibose (0.6 mg/kg, OL-VO, diabetic control) (n = 10 each) was administered to Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats for 12 weeks. We used voglibose, an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, as a comparable counterpart to SGLT2 inhibitor because of its postprandial glucose-lowering effect without proven renoprotective effects. Control Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LT) and OLETF (OL-C) rats received saline (n = 10, each). Changes in blood glucose, urine albumin, creatinine clearance, and oxidative stress were measured. Inflammatory cell infiltration, mesangial widening, and interstitial fibrosis in the kidney were evaluated by histological analysis. The effects of dapagliflozin on renal expression of the RAS components were evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR in renal tissue.

Results

After treatment, hyperglycemia and urine microalbumin levels were attenuated in both OL-DA and OL-VO rather than in the OL-C group (P < 0.05). The urine angiotensin II (Ang II) and angiotensinogen levels were significantly decreased following treatment with dapagliflozin or voglibose, but suppression of urine Ang II level was more prominent in the OL-DA than the OL-VO group (P < 0.05). The expressions of angiotensin type 1 receptor and tissue oxidative stress markers were markedly increased in OL-C rats, which were reversed by dapagliflozin or voglibose (P < 0.05, both). Inflammatory cell infiltration, mesangial widening, interstitial fibrosis, and total collagen content were significantly increased in OL-C rats, which were attenuated in OL-DA group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Dapagliflozin treatment showed beneficial effects on diabetic nephropathy, which might be via suppression of renal RAS component expression, oxidative stress and interstitial fibrosis in OLETF rats. We suggest that, in addition to control of hyperglycemia, partial suppression of renal RAS with an SGLT2 inhibitor would be a promising strategy for the prevention of treatment of diabetic nephropathy.

Impact of the 8-week Administration of Tofogliflozin for Glycemic Control and Body Composition in Japanese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective The adverse effects of selective sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors generally appear within about two or three months after treatment initiation in Japan. Therefore, we investigated the impact of tofogliflozin, a class of SGLT2 inhibitors, on glycemic control and body composition during this period in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods This single-arm open-label study enrolled 20 patients. Patients received tofogliflozin 20 mg once daily for 8 weeks. At week 8, changes from baseline in body weight, serum metabolic markers, and body composition were evaluated. Results A total of 17 patients completed the 8-week administration of tofogliflodin. No serious adverse events were noted. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) decreased significantly, from 7.8% to 7.3% with 8-week administration of tofogliflozin. Both the body weight and body mass index (BMI) also decreased. In addition, a decreased renal function of the boundary zone and hemoconcentration were detected. As for body composition, the free fat mass, total body water, extracellular water and intracellular water were all decreased significantly. Interestingly, the amount of fat mass did not change. The degree of improvement in HbA1c was correlated with the baseline fat mass and BMI. Conclusion An eight-week administration of tofogliflozin improved glycemic control and reduced the body weight and free fat mass in type 2 diabetic patients without affecting the fat mass. In this period, the hematocrit level and renal function should be monitored to guard against hemoconcentration and renal impairment, respectively.

Management of Diabetes Associated with Nephrotic Syndrome: Therapeutic Potential of Dapagliflozin for Protracted Volume Retention

A 48-year-old female was admitted to our hospital presenting with a chief complaint of progressive swelling because of diabetic nephrotic syndrome. Dapagliflozin seemed to play a role in accelerating the patient's urinary sodium excretion as well as reducing gross fluid retention despite the fact that her nephrotic condition was resistant to furosemide. Our experience emphasizes a potential novel approach to overcoming loop diuretic resistance using this agent among some subsets of type 2 diabetic subjects complicated with severe volume accumulation. We believe that combination treatment consisting of dapagliflozin and furosemide may produce diuretic synergy via sequential nephron blockade. The accumulation of more experience with additional cases similar to ours requires continuous and careful attention.

Dapagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Dapagliflozin is a selective and reversible inhibitor of sodium-glucose linked transporter type 2 (SGLT2), which mediates approximately 90% of active renal glucose reabsorption in the early proximal tubule of the kidney. Dapagliflozin significantly reduces glucose reabsorption and decreases serum glucose concentration in an insulin-independent manner. The decrease of glucose reabsorption by dapagliflozin has also been associated with a reduction in body weight. Furthermore, the drug modestly reduces blood pressure levels through weight loss and its action as osmotic diuretic. Dapagliflozin has been approved as monotherapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who cannot tolerate metformin or in combination with other antidiabetic drugs, with the exception of pioglitazone due to the theoretical increased risk of bladder cancer. The drug should not be prescribed in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment or in patients at risk for developing volume depletion. Dapagliflozin is associated with increased incidence of genital and lower urinary tract infections, but these infections are usually mild to moderate and respond to standard antimicrobial treatment. Based on current evidence, dapagliflozin is a useful drug for patients with T2DM with a favorable safety profile. However, further research regarding the effects of dapagliflozin on cardiovascular outcomes is needed.

Diabetes mellitus and electrolyte disorders

Diabetic patients frequently develop a constellation of electrolyte disorders. These disturbances are particularly common in decompensated diabetics, especially in the context of diabetic ketoacidosis or nonketotic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome. These patients are markedly potassium-, magnesium- and phosphate-depleted. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is linked to both hypo- and hyper-natremia reflecting the coexistence of hyperglycemia-related mechanisms, which tend to change serum sodium to opposite directions. The most important causal factor of chronic hyperkalemia in diabetic individuals is the syndrome of hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism. Impaired renal function, potassium-sparing drugs, hypertonicity and insulin deficiency are also involved in the development of hyperkalemia. This article provides an overview of the electrolyte disturbances occurring in DM and describes the underlying mechanisms. This insight should pave the way for pathophysiology-directed therapy, thus contributing to the avoidance of the several deleterious effects associated with electrolyte disorders and their treatment.

Sodium-Glucose linked transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors--fighting diabetes from a new perspective

Sodium-Glucose linked transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a new family of antidiabetic pharmaceutical agents whose action is based on the inhibition of the glucose reabsorption pathway, resulting in glucosuria and a consequent reduction of the blood glucose levels, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Apart from lowering both fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels, without causing hypoglycemia, SGLT2 inhibitors have also shown a reduction in body weight and the systolic blood pressure. This review paper explores the renal involvement in glucose homeostasis providing also the latest safety and efficacy data for the European Medicines Agency and U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved SGLT2 inhibitors, looking, finally, into the future of this novel antidiabetic category of pharmaceutical agents.

Novel metabolic drugs and blood pressure: implications for the treatment of obese hypertensive patients?

Hypertension and obesity often coexist, exposing patients to cardiovascular and metabolic risks, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus. Moreover, obesity may render hypertensive patients treatment resistant. We review how drugs recently approved for obesity or type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment affect blood pressure. The weight-reducing drug lorcaserin induces modest reductions in body weight while slightly improving blood pressure. The fixed low-dose topiramate/phentermine combinations elicit larger reductions in body weight and blood pressure. Concomitant improvements in glucose metabolism, adiposity, and blood pressure differentiate the first clinically available SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin from other oral antidiabetic drugs. Yet, the mechanisms through which metabolic drugs affect blood pressure and their interaction with antihypertensive drugs are poorly understood. Blood pressure-lowering effects of metabolic drugs could be exploited in the clinical management of obese hypertensive patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus, particularly in patients with difficult to control arterial hypertension.

SGLT inhibitors in management of diabetes

The two main sodium-glucose cotransporters (SGLTs), SGLT1 and SGLT2, provide new therapeutic targets to reduce hyperglycaemia in patients with diabetes. SGLT1 enables the small intestine to absorb glucose and contributes to the reabsorption of glucose filtered by the kidney. SGLT2 is responsible for reabsorption of most of the glucose filtered by the kidney. Inhibitors with varying specificities for these transporters (eg, dapagliflozin, canagliflozin, and empagliflozin) can slow the rate of intestinal glucose absorption and increase the renal elimination of glucose into the urine. Results of randomised clinical trials have shown the blood glucose-lowering efficacy of SGLT inhibitors in type 2 diabetes when administered as monotherapy or in addition to other glucose-lowering therapies including insulin. Increased renal glucose elimination also assists weight loss and could help to reduce blood pressure. Effective SGLT2 inhibition needs adequate glomerular filtration and might increase risk of urinary tract and genital infection, and excessive inhibition of SGLT1 can cause gastro-intestinal symptoms. However, the insulin-independent mechanism of action of SGLT inhibitors seems to offer durable glucose-lowering efficacy with low risk of clinically significant hypoglycaemia at any stage in the natural history of type 2 diabetes. SGLT inhibition might also be considered in conjunction with insulin therapy in type 1 diabetes.

Evolving importance of kidney disease: from subspecialty to global health burden

In the past decade, kidney disease diagnosed with objective measures of kidney damage and function has been recognised as a major public health burden. The population prevalence of chronic kidney disease exceeds 10%, and is more than 50% in high-risk subpopulations. Independent of age, sex, ethnic group, and comorbidity, strong, graded, and consistent associations exist between clinical prognosis and two hallmarks of chronic kidney disease: reduced glomerular filtration rate and increased urinary albumin excretion. Furthermore, an acute reduction in glomerular filtration rate is a risk factor for adverse clinical outcomes and the development and progression of chronic kidney disease. An increasing amount of evidence suggests that the kidneys are not only target organs of many diseases but also can strikingly aggravate or start systemic pathophysiological processes through their complex functions and effects on body homoeostasis. Risk of kidney disease has a notable genetic component, and identified genes have provided new insights into relevant abnormalities in renal structure and function and essential homoeostatic processes. Collaboration across general and specialised health-care professionals is needed to fully address the challenge of prevention of acute and chronic kidney disease and improve outcomes.

Energy loss via urine and faeces--a combustive analysis in diabetic rats and the impact of antidiabetic treatment on body weight

AIMS

Intensive glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes achieved by insulin is generally accompanied by body weight gain. This study was performed to emphasize the meaning of caloric analysis of urine and faeces for energy balance.

METHODS

We measured energetic loss via urine and faeces during antihyperglycaemic treatment in male obese Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. Rats were treated for 10 days with the sodium-glucose-linked transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor AVE2268, with insulin glargine, with the GLP-1 receptor agonist lixisenatide and with the combination of insulin glargine and lixisenatide. Each study was accompanied by one lean (Fa/?) and one obese (fa/fa) untreated non-diabetic and diabetic control group, respectively. Blood glucose, body weight alterations and food assimilation efficiency were monitored.

RESULTS

In control ZDF rats, more than 12 g/day of pure glucose was urinarily excreted. In total, the energetic loss via urine exceeded 30% from total energy uptake. Insulin glargine treatment decreased urinary energetic loss, leading to a body weight gain of approximately 3 g/day. An almost body weight-neutral antihyperglycaemic treatment could be achieved with AVE2268 and lixisenatide. While lixisenatide reduced body weight gain via reduction of energy uptake, the SGLT2 inhibitor even increased urinary glucose and thus energy excretion. Combining insulin glargine with lixisenatide attenuated the anabolic effect of insulin resulting in weight neutrality.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data clearly show renal contribution to the body's energy control by urinary glucose excretion (UGE) during antidiabetic treatment. The undesired retained energy could be reduced via additional UGE or via simultaneous reduction of energy uptake and/or energy retention.

Pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and excretion of the antidiabetic agent ertugliflozin (PF-04971729) in healthy male subjects

The disposition of ertugliflozin (PF-04971729), an orally active selective inhibitor of the sodium-dependent glucose cotransporter 2, was studied after a single 25-mg oral dose of [(14)C]-ertugliflozin to healthy human subjects. Mass balance was achieved with approximately 91% of the administered dose recovered in urine and feces. The total administered radioactivity excreted in feces and urine was 40.9% and 50.2%, respectively. The absorption of ertugliflozin in humans was rapid with a T(max) at ∼1.0 hour. Of the total radioactivity excreted in feces and urine, unchanged ertugliflozin collectively accounted for ∼35.3% of the dose, suggestive of moderate metabolic elimination in humans. The principal biotransformation pathway involved glucuronidation of the glycoside hydroxyl groups to yield three regioisomeric metabolites, M4a, M4b, and M4c (∼39.3% of the dose in urine), of which M4c was the major regioisomer (∼31.7% of the dose). The structure of M4a and M4c were confirmed to be ertugliflozin -4-O-β- and -3-O-β-glucuronide, respectively, via comparison of the HPLC retention time and mass spectra with authentic standards. A minor metabolic fate involved oxidation by cytochrome P450 to yield monohydroxylated metabolites M1 and M3 and des-ethyl ertugliflozin (M2), which accounted for ∼5.2% of the dose in excreta. In plasma, unchanged ertugliflozin and the corresponding 4-O-β- (M4a) and 3-O-β- (M4c) glucuronides were the principal components, which accounted for 49.9, 12.2, and 24.1% of the circulating radioactivity. Overall, these data suggest that ertugliflozin is well absorbed in humans, and eliminated largely via glucuronidation.

AMP-activated protein kinase regulation of kidney tubular transport

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The coupling of epithelial transport to underlying metabolic status is critical because solute transport processes normally consume a large proportion of total cellular energy. Recently, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has emerged as a critical transport regulator in tissues throughout the body. This review summarizes the role of AMPK in the regulation of renal epithelial transport, updates the growing list of AMPK transport protein targets and regulatory mechanisms, and discusses the potential clinical significance of this regulation in normal and disease states.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent work has identified several new ion channels, transporters, and pumps that are regulated by AMPK in the kidney, and a better understanding of the mechanisms for the AMPK-dependent regulation of membrane transport proteins is emerging. Treatment with AMPK activators may be beneficial in preventing deleterious effects in the kidney in the setting of various diseases, including acute ischemia, diabetes mellitus and polycystic kidney disease, via mechanisms that depend at least partly on the regulatory effects of AMPK on solute transport.

SUMMARY

The energy-sensing kinase AMPK has a growing list of pleiotropic effects on cells and tissues, including its key role in the coupling of membrane transport to metabolic status in epithelial tissues like the kidney. AMPK is also involved in the coordination of hormonal, inflammatory, and other cellular stress pathway signals to produce an integrated effect on tubular transport. Identifying and characterizing new transport protein targets of AMPK should yield valuable new insights into various physiological and pathological processes in the kidney.

New antidiabetic therapies: innovative strategies for an old problem

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Over the last few years, a variety of new antidiabetic drugs have been approved for clinical use and novel agents are currently under development. All of these are facing new regulations created by the demand to not only lower HbA1c but also provide long-term clinical benefit and cardiovascular safety.

RECENT FINDINGS

The present review will discuss the following novel therapeutic options: GLP-1 mimetics and DPP-4 inhibitors are new antidiabetic drugs which favourably affect glucose metabolism without a significant risk for hypoglycaemic events and preliminary clinical data suggesting potential beneficial effects with respect to cardiovascular risk reduction. In addition, new antidiabetic concepts include SGLT2 inhibition, dual peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonists and G-protein receptor agonists, all of which provide beneficial cardiometabolic characteristics.

SUMMARY

The development of novel antidiabetic strategies currently does not only focus on potent glucose-lowering properties but also on safety aspects and potential cardiovascular benefits.