Effect of SGLT2 Inhibitors on Stroke and Atrial Fibrillation in Diabetic Kidney Disease: Results From the CREDENCE Trial and Meta-Analysis

Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors with cardiac arrhythmias in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias, which increases serious morbidity and mortality. Novel hypoglycemic drug sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor has shown sufficient cardiovascular benefits in cardiovascular outcome trials.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the relationship between SGLT2 inhibitors and cardiac arrhythmias in patients with T2DM.

METHODS

We searched on PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov for at least 24 weeks of randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials involving T2DM subjects assigned to SGLT2 inhibitors or placebo as of May 5, 2023. Risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used for binary variables. Primary outcomes included atrial arrhythmias, ventricular arrhythmias, bradyarrhythmias, cardiac arrest, and atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter. Secondary outcomes comprised atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, atrioventricular block, and sinus node dysfunction.

RESULTS

We included 32 trials covering 60,594 T2DM patients (SGLT2 inhibitor 35,432; placebo 25,162; mean age 53.9 to 68.5 years). SGLT2 inhibitors significantly reduced the risk of atrial arrhythmias (RR 0.86; 95%CI 0.74-0.99; P = 0.04) or atrial fibrillation/flutter (RR 0.85; 95%CI 0.74-0.99; P = 0.03) compared to placebo; in subgroup analysis, SGLT2 inhibitors achieved a consistent effect with overall results in T2DM with high cardiovascular risk or follow-up > 1 year populations. There was no substantial evidence to suggest that SGLT2 inhibitors reduced the risk of ventricular arrhythmias (RR 0.94; 95%CI 0.71-1.26; P = 0.69) and cardiac arrest (RR 0.88; 95%CI 0.66-1.18; P = 0.39). A neutral effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on bradyarrhythmias was observed (RR 1.02; 95%CI 0.79-1.33; P = 0.85). SGLT2 inhibitors had no significant impact on all secondary outcomes compared to placebo, while it had borderline effect for atrial fibrillation.

CONCLUSION

SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with a reduced risk of atrial arrhythmias in patients with T2DM. Our results support the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in T2DM with high cardiovascular risk populations. We also recommend the long-term use of SGLT2 inhibitors to achieve further benefits.

Temporal associations of diabetes-related complications with health-related quality of life decrements in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes: A prospective study among 19 322 adults-Joint Asia Diabetes Evaluation (JADE) register (2007-2018)

BACKGROUND

Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are at high risk of developing multiple complications, affecting their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Existing studies only considered impact of complication on HRQoL in the year of occurrence but not its residual impacts in subsequent years. We investigated temporal impacts of diabetes-related complications on HRQoL in a 12-year prospective cohort of ambulatory Chinese patients with T2D enrolled in the clinic-based Joint Asia Diabetes Evaluation (JADE) Register.

METHODS

HRQoL utility measures were derived from EuroQol five-dimensional three-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) questionnaires completed by 19 322 patients with T2D in Hong Kong (2007-2018). Temporal EQ-5D utility decrements associated with subtypes of cardiovascular-renal events were estimated using generalized linear regression model after stepwise selection of covariates with p < .01 as cutoff.

RESULTS

In this cohort (mean ± SD age:61.2 ± 11.5 years, 55.3% men, median [interquartile range] duration of diabetes:10.1 [3.0-15.0] years, glycated hemoglobin [HbA1C] 7.5 ± 1.5%), EQ-5D utility was 0.860 ± 0.163. The largest HRQoL decrements were observed in year of occurrence of hemorrhagic stroke (-0.230), followed by ischemic stroke (-0.165), peripheral vascular disease (-0.117), lower extremity amputation (-0.093), chronic kidney disease (CKD) G5 without renal replacement therapy (RRT) (-0.079), congestive heart failure (CHF) (-0.061), and CKD G3-G4 without RRT (-0.042). Residual impacts on HRQoL persisted for 2 years after occurrence of CHF or ischemic stroke and 1 year after hemorrhagic stroke or CKD G3-G4 without RRT.

CONCLUSION

This is the first comprehensive report on temporal associations of HRQoL decrements with subtypes of diabetes-related complications in ambulatory Asian patients with T2D. These data will improve the accuracy of cost-effectiveness analysis of diabetes interventions at an individual level in an Asian setting.

Sodium-glucose co-transporter protein 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors for people with chronic kidney disease and diabetes

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is associated with high risks of premature chronic kidney disease (CKD), cardiovascular diseases, cardiovascular death and impaired quality of life. People with diabetes are more likely to develop kidney impairment, and approximately one in three adults with diabetes have CKD. People with CKD and diabetes experience a substantially higher risk of cardiovascular outcomes. Sodium-glucose co-transporter protein 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have shown potential effects in preventing kidney and cardiovascular outcomes in people with CKD and diabetes. However, new trials are emerging rapidly, and evidence synthesis is essential to summarising cumulative evidence.

OBJECTIVES

This review aimed to assess the benefits and harms of SGLT2 inhibitors for people with CKD and diabetes.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Register of Studies up to 17 November 2023 using a search strategy designed by an Information Specialist. Studies in the Register are continually identified through regular searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled studies were eligible if they evaluated SGLT2 inhibitors versus placebo, standard care or other glucose-lowering agents in people with CKD and diabetes. CKD includes all stages (from 1 to 5), including dialysis patients.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently extracted data and assessed the study risk of bias. Treatment estimates were summarised using random effects meta-analysis and expressed as a risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD), with a corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Confidence in the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. The primary review outcomes were all-cause death, 3-point and 4-point major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), fatal or nonfatal stroke, and kidney failure.

MAIN RESULTS

Fifty-three studies randomising 65,241 people with CKD and diabetes were included. SGLT2 inhibitors with or without other background treatments were compared to placebo, standard care, sulfonylurea, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, or insulin. In the majority of domains, the risks of bias in the included studies were low or unclear. No studies evaluated the treatment in children or in people treated with dialysis. No studies compared SGLT2 inhibitors with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists or tirzepatide. Compared to placebo, SGLT2 inhibitors decreased the risk of all-cause death (20 studies, 44,397 participants: RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.78 to 0.94; I2 = 0%; high certainty) and cardiovascular death (16 studies, 43,792 participants: RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.93; I2 = 29%; high certainty). Compared to placebo, SGLT2 inhibitors probably make little or no difference to the risk of fatal or nonfatal MI (2 studies, 13,726 participants: RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.14; I2 = 24%; moderate certainty), and fatal or nonfatal stroke (2 studies, 13,726 participants: RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.30; I2 = 0%; moderate certainty). Compared to placebo, SGLT2 inhibitors probably decrease 3-point MACE (7 studies, 38,320 participants: RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.98; I2 = 46%; moderate certainty), and 4-point MACE (4 studies, 23,539 participants: RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.96; I2 = 77%; moderate certainty), and decrease hospital admission due to heart failure (6 studies, 28,339 participants: RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.62 to 0.79; I2 = 17%; high certainty). Compared to placebo, SGLT2 inhibitors may decrease creatinine clearance (1 study, 132 participants: MD -2.63 mL/min, 95% CI -5.19 to -0.07; low certainty) and probably decrease the doubling of serum creatinine (2 studies, 12,647 participants: RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.89; I2 = 53%; moderate certainty). SGLT2 inhibitors decrease the risk of kidney failure (6 studies, 11,232 participants: RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.62 to 0.79; I2 = 0%; high certainty), and kidney composite outcomes (generally reported as kidney failure, kidney death with or without ≥ 40% decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)) (7 studies, 36,380 participants: RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.78; I2 = 25%; high certainty) compared to placebo. Compared to placebo, SGLT2 inhibitors incur less hypoglycaemia (16 studies, 28,322 participants: RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.89 to 0.98; I2 = 0%; high certainty), and hypoglycaemia requiring third-party assistance (14 studies, 26,478 participants: RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.88; I2 = 0%; high certainty), and probably decrease the withdrawal from treatment due to adverse events (15 studies, 16,622 participants: RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.08; I2 = 16%; moderate certainty). The effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on eGFR, amputation and fracture were uncertain. No studies evaluated the effects of treatment on fatigue, life participation, or lactic acidosis. The effects of SGLT2 inhibitors compared to standard care alone, sulfonylurea, DPP-4 inhibitors, or insulin were uncertain.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

SGLT2 inhibitors alone or added to standard care decrease all-cause death, cardiovascular death, and kidney failure and probably decrease major cardiovascular events while incurring less hypoglycaemia compared to placebo in people with CKD and diabetes.

Diabetes and Stroke: Impact of Novel Therapies for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a significant risk factor for stroke. Nevertheless, the evidence supporting stringent glycemic control to reduce macrovascular complications, particularly stroke, is not as clear as for microvascular complications. Presently, risk reduction strategies are based on controlling multiple risk factors, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, glycemia, smoking, and weight. Since 2008, new pharmacological therapies for treating T2DM have been required to undergo trials to ensure their cardiovascular safety. Remarkably, several novel therapies have exhibited protective effects against the combined endpoint of major cardiovascular events. Evidence from these trials, with stroke as a secondary endpoint, along with real-world data, suggests potential benefits in stroke prevention, particularly with glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists. Conversely, the data on sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors remains more controversial. Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors appear neutral in stroke prevention. More recent pharmacological therapies still lack significant data on this particular outcome. This article provides a comprehensive review of the evidence on the most recent T2DM therapies for stroke prevention and their impact on clinical practice.

SGLT2 inhibitors: from glucose-lowering to cardiovascular benefits

An increasing number of individuals are at high risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its cardiovascular complications, including heart failure (HF), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and eventually premature death. The sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) protein sits in the proximal tubule of human nephrons to regulate glucose reabsorption and its inhibition by gliflozins represents the cornerstone of contemporary T2D and HF management. Herein, we aim to provide an updated overview of the pleiotropy of gliflozins, provide mechanistic insights and delineate related cardiovascular (CV) benefits. By discussing contemporary evidence obtained in preclinical models and landmark randomized controlled trials, we move from bench to bedside across the broad spectrum of cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases. With landmark randomized controlled trials confirming a reduction in major adverse CV events (MACE; composite endpoint of CV death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and non-fatal stroke), SGLT2 inhibitors strongly mitigate the risk for heart failure hospitalization in diabetics and non-diabetics alike while conferring renoprotection in specific patient populations. Along four major pathophysiological axes (i.e. at systemic, vascular, cardiac, and renal levels), we provide insights into the key mechanisms that may underlie their beneficial effects, including gliflozins' role in the modulation of inflammation, oxidative stress, cellular energy metabolism, and housekeeping mechanisms. We also discuss how this drug class controls hyperglycaemia, ketogenesis, natriuresis, and hyperuricaemia, collectively contributing to their pleiotropic effects. Finally, evolving data in the setting of cerebrovascular diseases and arrhythmias are presented and potential implications for future research and clinical practice are comprehensively reviewed.

Exploring novel lead scaffolds for SGLT2 inhibitors: Insights from machine learning and molecular dynamics simulations

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) plays a pivotal role in mediating glucose reabsorption within the renal filtrate, representing a well-known target in type 2 diabetes and heart failure. Recent emphasis has been directed toward designing SGLT2 inhibitors, with C-glycoside inhibitors emerging as front-runners. The architecture of SGLT2 has been successfully resolved using cryo-electron microscopy. However, comprehension of the pharmacophores within the binding site of SGLT2 remains unclear. Here, we use machine learning and molecular dynamics simulations on SGLT2 bound with its inhibitors in preclinical or clinical development to shed light on this issue. Our dataset comprises 1240 SGLT2 inhibitors amalgamated from diverse sources, forming the basis for constructing machine learning models. SHapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP) elucidates the crucial fragments that contribute to inhibitor activity, specifically Morgan_3, 162, 310, 325, 366, 470, 597, 714, 926, and 975. Furthermore, the computed binding free energies and per-residue contributions for SGLT2-inhibitor complexes unveil crucial fragments of inhibitors that interact with residues Asn-75, His-80, Val-95, Phe-98, Val-157, Leu-274, and Phe-453 in the binding site of SGLT2. This comprehensive investigation enhances understanding of the binding mechanism for SGLT2 inhibitors, providing a robust framework for evaluating and discovering novel lead scaffolds within this domain.

Kidney Function, Albuminuria, and Risk of Incident Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) often coexist. However, it is not known whether CKD is an independent risk factor for incident AF. Therefore, we evaluated the association between markers of CKD-estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria-and incident AF.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies and randomized controlled trials.

SETTING & STUDY POPULATIONS

Participants with measurement of eGFR and/or albuminuria who were not receiving dialysis.

SELECTION CRITERIA FOR STUDIES

Cohort studies and randomized controlled trials were included that reported incident AF risk in adults according to eGFR and/or albuminuria.

ANALYTICAL APPROACH

Age- or multivariate-adjusted risk ratios (RRs) for incident AF were extracted from cohort studies, and RRs for each trial were derived from event data. RRs for incident AF were pooled using random-effects models.

RESULTS

38 studies involving 28,470,249 participants with 530,041 incident AF cases were included. Adjusted risk of incident AF was greater among participants with lower eGFR than those with higher eGFR (eGFR<60 vs≥60mL/min/1.73m2: RR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.30-1.57; and eGFR<90 vs≥90mL/min/1.73m2: RR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.26-1.60). Adjusted incident AF risk was greater among participants with albuminuria (any albuminuria vs no albuminuria: RR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.25-1.63; and moderately to severely increased albuminuria vs normal to mildly increased albuminuria: RR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.31-2.06). Subgroup analyses showed an exposure-dependent association between CKD and incident AF, with the risk increasing progressively at lower eGFR and higher albuminuria categories.

LIMITATIONS

Lack of patient-level data, interaction between eGFR and albuminuria could not be evaluated, possible ascertainment bias due to variation in the methods of AF detection.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower eGFR and greater albuminuria were independently associated with increased risk of incident AF. CKD should be regarded as an independent risk factor for incident AF.

PLAIN-LANGUAGE SUMMARY

Irregular heartbeat, or atrial fibrillation (AF), is the commonest abnormal heart rhythm. AF occurs commonly in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and CKD is also common in people with AF. However, CKD in not widely recognized as a risk factor for new-onset or incident AF. In this research, we combined data on more than 28 million participants in 38 studies to determine whether CKD itself increases the chances of incident AF. We found that both commonly used markers of kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria, ie, protein in the urine) were independently associated with a greater risk of incident AF. This finding suggests that CKD should be recognized as an independent risk factor for incident AF.

New-onset syncope in diabetic patients treated with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors versus dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors: a Chinese population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Syncope is a symptom that poses an important diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, and generates significant cost for the healthcare system. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have demonstrated beneficial cardiovascular effects, but their possible effects on incident syncope have not been fully investigated. This study compared the effects of SGLT2i and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i) on new-onset syncope.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This was a retrospective, territory-wide cohort study enrolling type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients treated with SGLT2i or DPP4i between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2020, in Hong Kong, China. The outcomes were hospitalization of new-onset syncope, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality. Multivariable Cox regression and different approaches using the propensity score were applied to evaluate the association between SGLT2i and DPP4i with incident syncope and mortality. After matching, a total of 37 502 patients with T2DM were included (18 751 SGLT2i users vs. 18 751 DPP4i users). During a median follow-up of 5.56 years, 907 patients were hospitalized for new-onset syncope (2.41%), and 2346 patients died from any cause (6.26%), among which 471 deaths (1.26%) were associated with cardiovascular causes. Compared with DPP4i users, SGLT2i therapy was associated with a 51% lower risk of new-onset syncope [HR 0.49; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.41-0.57; P < 0.001], 65% lower risk of cardiovascular mortality (HR 0.35; 95% CI 0.26-0.46; P < 0.001), and a 70% lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR 0.30; 95% CI 0.26-0.34; P < 0.001) in the fully adjusted model. Similar associations with syncope were observed for dapagliflozin (HR 0.70; 95% CI 0.58-0.85; P < 0.001), canagliflozin (HR 0.48; 95% CI 0.36-0.63; P < 0.001), and ertugliflozin (HR 0.45; 95% CI 0.30-0.68; P < 0.001), but were attenuated for empagliflozin (HR 0.79; 95% CI 0.59-1.05; P = 0.100) after adjusting for potential confounders. The subgroup analyses suggested that, compared with DPP4i, SGLT2i was associated with a significantly decreased risk of incident syncope among T2DM patients, regardless of gender, age, glucose control status, Charlson comorbidity index, and the association remained constant amongst those with common cardiovascular drugs and most antidiabetic drugs at baseline.

CONCLUSION

Compared with DPP4i, SGLT2i was associated with a significantly lower risk of new-onset syncope in patients with T2DM, regardless of gender, age, degree of glycaemic control, and comorbidity burden.

Unveiling the pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches for diabetic nephropathy: insights from panvascular diseases

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) represents a significant microvascular complication in diabetes, entailing intricate molecular pathways and mechanisms associated with cardiorenal vascular diseases. Prolonged hyperglycemia induces renal endothelial dysfunction and damage via metabolic abnormalities, inflammation, and oxidative stress, thereby compromising hemodynamics. Concurrently, fibrotic and sclerotic alterations exacerbate glomerular and tubular injuries. At a macro level, reciprocal communication between the renal microvasculature and systemic circulation establishes a pernicious cycle propelling disease progression. The current management approach emphasizes rigorous control of glycemic levels and blood pressure, with renin-angiotensin system blockade conferring renoprotection. Novel antidiabetic agents exhibit renoprotective effects, potentially mediated through endothelial modulation. Nonetheless, emerging therapies present novel avenues for enhancing patient outcomes and alleviating the disease burden. A precision-based approach, coupled with a comprehensive strategy addressing global vascular risk, will be pivotal in mitigating the cardiorenal burden associated with diabetes.

Potential Mediators for Treatment Effects of Novel Diabetes Medications on Cardiovascular and Renal Outcomes: A Meta-Regression Analysis

BACKGROUND

Prior research suggests clinical effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are mediated by changes in glycated hemoglobin, body weight, systolic blood pressure, hematocrit, and urine albumin-creatinine ratio. We aimed to confirm these findings using a meta-analytic approach.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We updated a systematic review of 9 GLP-1RA and 13 SGLT2i trials and summarized longitudinal mediator data. We obtained hazard ratios (HRs) for cardiovascular, renal, and mortality outcomes. We performed linear mixed-effects modeling of LogHRs versus changes in potential mediators and investigated differences in meta-regression associations among drug classes using interaction terms. HRs generally became more protective with greater glycated hemoglobin reduction among GLP-1RA trials, with average HR improvements of 20% to 30%, reaching statistical significance for major adverse cardiovascular events (ΔHR, 23%; P=0.02). Among SGLT2i trials, associations with HRs were not significant and differed from GLP1-RA trials for major adverse cardiovascular events (Pinteraction=0.04). HRs for major adverse cardiovascular events, myocardial infarction, and stroke became less efficacious (ΔHR, -15% to -34%), with more weight loss for SGLT2i but not for GLP-1RA trials (ΔHR, 4%-7%; Pinteraction<0.05). Among 5 SGLT2i trials with available data, HRs for stroke became less efficacious with larger increases in hematocrit (ΔHR, 123%; P=0.09). No changes in HRs by systolic blood pressure (ΔHR, -11% to 9%) and urine albumin-creatinine ratio (ΔHR, -1% to 4%) were found for any outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

We confirmed increased efficacy findings for major adverse cardiovascular events with reduction in glycated hemoglobin for GLP1-RAs. Further research is needed on the potential loss of cardiovascular benefits with increased weight loss and hematocrit for SGLT2i.

Effect of pharmacological selectivity of SGLT2 inhibitors on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in type 2 diabetic (T2DM) patients. Pharmacological selectivity of these agents to SGLT2 over SGLT1 is highly variant, with unknown clinical relevance. Genetically reduced SGLT1-but not SGLT2-activity correlates with lower risk of heart failure and mortality, therefore additional non-selective SGLT1 inhibition might be beneficial. In this prespecified meta-analysis, we included 6 randomized, placebo-controlled cardiovascular outcome trials of SGLT2 inhibitors assessing MACE in 57,553 patients with T2DM. Mixed-effects meta-regression revealed that pharmacological selectivity of SGLT2 inhibitors (either as continuous or dichotomized variable) had no significant impact on most outcomes. However, lower SGLT2 selectivity correlated with significantly lower risk of stroke (pseudo-R2 = 78%; p = 0.011). Indeed, dual SGLT1/2 inhibitors significantly reduced the risk of stroke (hazard ratio [HR], 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64-0.94), unlike selective agents (p for interaction = 0.018). The risk of diabetic ketoacidosis and genital infections was higher in both pharmacological groups versus placebo. However, hypotension occurred more often with non-selective SGLT2 inhibitors (odds ratio [OR], 1.87; 95% CI, 1.20-2.92) compared with selective agents (p for interaction = 0.044). In conclusion, dual SGLT1/2 inhibition reduces stroke in high-risk T2DM patients but has limited additional effect on other clinical outcomes.

Metformin versus sodium glucose co-transporters inhibitors as first-line for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: A meta-analysis

There is growing evidence of prescribing sodium glucose co-transporters-2 inhibitor (SGLT-2) to patients with/at high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease as first-line (instead of metformin). This is the first meta-analysis to compare SGLT-2 inhibitors regarding the same. We aimed to compare SGLT-2 inhibitors and metformin regarding heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, and ischemic stroke. We systematically searched PubMed and Cochrane Library for relevant articles from the first article up to August 2022. The following keywords were used: Metformin, Salt glucose co-transporters inhibitors, SGLT-2 inhibitors, empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, canagliflozin, and first-line. The retrieved data were exported to an excel sheet detailing the author's names, the country of origin of the study, the number of patients and control subjects, the study duration, and the total number of events in the interventional and exercise groups. Out of 108 articles screened, only three studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, a databased study, and two cohorts with 10309 events and 86487 patients. The present meta-analysis showed that SGLT-2 inhibitors had lower rates of heart failure (odd ratio, 1.51, 95% CI, 1.10-2.08) and myocardial infarction (odd ratio, 1.45, 95% CI, 1.08-1.96) than metformin with a similar rate of stroke (odd ratio, 1.03, 95% CI, 0.66-1.61). Significant heterogeneity was observed. Sodium-glucose co-transporter inhibitors-2 as first-line therapy showed a lower heart failure and myocardial infarction compared to metformin. No significant difference was found between the two drugs regarding ischemic stroke. Further larger studies comparing the adverse event are needed.

Comparison of GLP-1 receptor agonists and other Glucose-Lowering agents on cardiovascular outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes and Obesity: A Spanish Real-World Population-Based study

AIMS

Assess the impact of glucagon-like peptide receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) compared to other glucose-lowering agents on cardiovascular outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes and obesity in a Spanish metropolitan area.

METHODS

A retrospective population-based type 2 diabetes cohort was identified from the Valencia Clinic-Malvarrosa Department electronic databases (2014-2019). Study groups included GLP-1RA, sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), Insulin, and Miscellany (other glucose-lowering agents). 1:1:1:1 propensity score matching was conducted. The primary outcome was a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (4-point MACE) comprising myocardial infarction, stroke, all-cause mortality, and heart failure. Secondary outcomes included individual 4-point MACE components. Hazard ratios were estimated using Cox regression analyses against the Miscellany group.

RESULTS

From 26,944 subjects, 1,848 adults were selected per group. GLP-1RA did not show a significant reduction in 4-point MACE risk (HR 1.05 [95%CI 0.82-1.34]). SGLT2i significantly reduced the risk of heart failure (HR 0.16 [95%CI 0.05-0.54]) and atrial fibrillation (HR 0.58, [95%CI 0.35-0.95]). The Insulin group exhibited a higher risk for 4-point MACE and most individual outcomes compared to GLP-1RA and SGLT2i.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings do not provide evidence of a reduced cardiovascular risk, as assessed by 4-point MACE, with GLP-1RA. In contrast, SGLT2i demonstrated protective effects against heart failure and atrial fibrillation.

Anti-Inflammation and Anti-Oxidation: The Key to Unlocking the Cardiovascular Potential of SGLT2 Inhibitors and GLP1 Receptor Agonists

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent and complex metabolic disorder associated with various complications, including cardiovascular diseases. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RA) have emerged as novel therapeutic agents for T2DM, primarily aiming to reduce blood glucose levels. However, recent investigations have unveiled their multifaceted effects, extending beyond their glucose-lowering effect. SGLT2i operate by inhibiting the SGLT2 receptor in the kidneys, facilitating the excretion of glucose through urine, leading to reduced blood glucose levels, while GLP1-RA mimic the action of the GLP1 hormone, stimulating glucose-dependent insulin secretion from pancreatic islets. Both SGLT2i and GLP1-RA have shown remarkable benefits in reducing major cardiovascular events in patients with and without T2DM. This comprehensive review explores the expanding horizons of SGLT2i and GLP1-RA in improving cardiovascular health. It delves into the latest research, highlighting the effects of these drugs on heart physiology and metabolism. By elucidating their diverse mechanisms of action and emerging evidence, this review aims to recapitulate the potential of SGLT2i and GLP1-RA as therapeutic options for cardiovascular health beyond their traditional role in managing T2DM.

Value of radiomics-based two-dimensional ultrasound for diagnosing early diabetic nephropathy

Despite efforts to diagnose diabetic nephropathy (DN) using biochemical data or ultrasound imaging separately, a significant gap exists regarding the development of integrated models combining both modalities for enhanced early DN diagnosis. Therefore, we aimed to assess the ability of machine learning models containing two-dimensional ultrasound imaging and biochemical data to diagnose early DN in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This retrospective study included 219 patients, divided into a training or test group at an 8:2 ratio. Features were selected using minimum redundancy maximum relevance and random forest-recursive feature elimination. The predictive performance of the models was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for sensitivity, specificity, Matthews Correlation Coefficient, F1 score, and accuracy. K-nearest neighbor, support vector machine, and logistic regression models could diagnose early DN, with AUC values of 0.94, 0.85, and 0.85 in the training cohort and 0.91, 0.84, and 0.84 in the test cohort, respectively. Early DN diagnosing using two-dimensional ultrasound-based radiomics models can potentially revolutionize T2DM patient care by enabling proactive interventions, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Our integrated approach showcases the power of artificial intelligence in medical imaging, enhancing early disease detection strategies with far-reaching applications across medical disciplines.

The Ketogenic Effect of SGLT-2 Inhibitors-Beneficial or Harmful?

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, also called gliflozins or flozins, are a class of drugs that have been increasingly used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) due to their glucose-lowering, cardiovascular (CV), and renal positive effects. However, recent studies suggest that SGLT-2 inhibitors might also have a ketogenic effect, increasing ketone body production. While this can be beneficial for some patients, it may also result in several potential unfavorable effects, such as decreased bone mineral density, infections, and ketoacidosis, among others. Due to the intricate and multifaceted impact caused by SGLT-2 inhibitors, this initially anti-diabetic class of medications has been effectively used to treat both patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and those with heart failure (HF). Additionally, their therapeutic potential appears to extend beyond the currently investigated conditions. The objective of this review article is to present a thorough summary of the latest research on the mechanism of action of SGLT-2 inhibitors, their ketogenesis, and their potential synergy with the ketogenic diet for managing diabetes. The article particularly discusses the benefits and risks of combining SGLT-2 inhibitors with the ketogenic diet and their clinical applications and compares them with other anti-diabetic agents in terms of ketogenic effects. It also explores future directions regarding the ketogenic effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors.

SGLT2 inhibition, circulating metabolites, and atrial fibrillation: a Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have shown promise in reducing the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the results are controversial and the underlying metabolic mechanism remains unclear. Emerging evidence implied that SGLT2 inhibitors have extra beneficial metabolic effects on circulating metabolites beyond glucose control, which might play a role in reducing the risk of AF. Hence, our study aimed to investigate the effect of circulating metabolites mediating SGLT2 inhibition in AF by Mendelian randomization (MR).

METHODS

A two-sample and two-step MR study was conducted to evaluate the association of SGLT2 inhibition with AF and the mediation effects of circulating metabolites linking SGLT2 inhibition with AF. Genetic instruments for SGLT2 inhibition were identified as genetic variants, which were both associated with the expression of SLC5A2 gene and glycated hemoglobin level (HbA1c). Positive control analysis on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was conducted to validate the selection of genetic instruments.

RESULTS

Genetically predicted SGLT2 inhibition (per 1 SD decrement in HbA1c) was associated with reduced risk of T2DM (odds ratio [OR] = 0.63 [95% CI 0.45, 0.88], P = 0.006) and AF (0.51 [0.27, 0.97], P = 0.039). Among 168 circulating metabolites, two metabolites were both associated with SGLT2 inhibition and AF. The effect of SGLT2 inhibition on AF through the total concentration of lipoprotein particles (0.88 [0.81, 0.96], P = 0.004) and the concentration of HDL particles (0.89 [0.82, 0.97], P = 0.005), with a mediated proportion of 8.03% (95% CI [1.20%, 14.34%], P = 0.010) and 7.59% ([1.09%, 13.34%], P = 0.011) of the total effect, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study supported the association of SGLT2 inhibition with a reduced risk of AF. The total concentration of lipoprotein particles and particularly the concentration of HDL particles might mediate this association. Further mechanistic and clinical studies research are needed to understand the mediation effects of circulating metabolites especially blood lipids in the association between SGLT2 inhibition and AF.

Role of Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitors in Chronic Kidney Disease, Congestive Heart Failure and Stroke-A Review and Clinical Guide for Healthcare Professionals

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) causes a progressive decline in renal function, leading to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), and increases the likelihood of cardiovascular events and mortality. The recent introduction of the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor has been a game changer in managing chronic kidney disease (CKD) and congestive heart failure (CHF). These agents not only slow down the progression of kidney disease but also have cardioprotective benefits, including for patients with congestive heart failure and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Some evidence suggests that they can decrease the risk of stroke as well. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of SGLT-2 inhibitors in CKD and CHF and their efficacy in stroke prevention. This review includes a comparison with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist and finerenone; focuses on safety data, the potential benefits beyond glycemic control, and a review of significant trials; and provides guidance in clinical practice.

Risk of New-onset Stroke in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes with Chronic Kidney Disease on Sodium-glucose Co-transporter-2 Inhibitor Users

Clinical studies have investigated the effects of using sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on the development of new-onset stroke (NOS) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), but the findings are inconsistent. This study aimed to examine the association between the use of SGLT2 inhibitors and NOS risk in patients with T2D and CKD. We conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study using data from the Taiwan Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database for the years 2004 to 2019. The primary outcome was the risk of incident stroke, which was estimated using hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used multiple Cox regression modeling to analyze the association between SGLT2 inhibitor use and the risk of stroke in patients with T2D and CKD. In a cohort of 113,710 patients with T2D and CKD who were using SGLT2 inhibitors and 227,420 patients with T2D and CKD who were not using SGLT2 inhibitors, after applying a 1:2 sex- and age-matching strategy, 2,842 and 7,169 NOS events were recorded, respectively. The event rate per 10,000 person-months was 10.60 (95% CI 10.21 to 11.03) for SGLT2 inhibitor users and 13.71 (13.39-14.03) for non-SGLT2 inhibitor users. After adjusting for the index year, sex, age, comorbidities, and concurrent medication, there was a decreased risk of NOS for SGLT2 inhibitor users (adjusted HR 0.80; 95% CI 0.77-0.84) compared with non-SGLT2 inhibitor users. The sensitivity test for the propensity score 1:1-matched analyses showed similar results (adjusted HR 0.80; 95% CI 0.76-0.84). The type of SGLT2 inhibitor subgroup analysis for incident stroke showed consistent results. We concluded that the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with T2D and CKD was associated with significantly low rates of NOS. The significantly low rates of NOS in patients with T2D and CKD were greater among females and less than 50 years patients.

American Association of Clinical Endocrinology Consensus Statement: Comprehensive Type 2 Diabetes Management Algorithm - 2023 Update

OBJECTIVE

This consensus statement provides (1) visual guidance in concise graphic algorithms to assist with clinical decision-making of health care professionals in the management of persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve patient care and (2) a summary of details to support the visual guidance found in each algorithm.

METHODS

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE) selected a task force of medical experts who updated the 2020 AACE Comprehensive Type 2 Diabetes Management Algorithm based on the 2022 AACE Clinical Practice Guideline: Developing a Diabetes Mellitus Comprehensive Care Plan and consensus of task force authors.

RESULTS

This algorithm for management of persons with type 2 diabetes includes 11 distinct sections: (1) Principles for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes; (2) Complications-Centric Model for the Care of Persons with Overweight/Obesity; (3) Prediabetes Algorithm; (4) Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction Algorithm: Dyslipidemia; (5) Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction Algorithm: Hypertension; (6) Complications-Centric Algorithm for Glycemic Control; (7) Glucose-Centric Algorithm for Glycemic Control; (8) Algorithm for Adding/Intensifying Insulin; (9) Profiles of Antihyperglycemic Medications; (10) Profiles of Weight-Loss Medications (new); and (11) Vaccine Recommendations for Persons with Diabetes Mellitus (new), which summarizes recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

CONCLUSIONS

Aligning with the 2022 AACE diabetes guideline update, this 2023 diabetes algorithm update emphasizes lifestyle modification and treatment of overweight/obesity as key pillars in the management of prediabetes and diabetes mellitus and highlights the importance of appropriate management of atherosclerotic risk factors of dyslipidemia and hypertension. One notable new theme is an emphasis on a complication-centric approach, beyond glucose levels, to frame decisions regarding first-line pharmacologic choices for the treatment of persons with diabetes. The algorithm also includes access/cost of medications as factors related to health equity to consider in clinical decision-making.

Cerebrovascular, Cognitive and Cardiac Benefits of SGLT2 Inhibitors Therapy in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Results from a Global Federated Health Network Analysis

BACKGROUND

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are effective anti-diabetic drugs improving cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. This study investigated cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and cognitive outcomes of SGLT2i therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and T2DM.

METHODS

Observational study using TriNetX, a global health research network of anonymised electronic medical records from real-world patients between January 2018 and December 2019. The network includes healthcare organisations globally but predominately in the United States. AF patients (ICD-10-CM code: I48) with T2DM were divided according to SGLT2i use or not, and balanced using propensity score matching (PSM). Patients were followed-up for 3-years. The primary endpoints were ischaemic stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), intracranial haemorrhage (ICH), and incident dementia. Secondary endpoints were incident heart failure and mortality.

RESULTS

We identified 89,356 AF patients with T2DM of which 5061 (5.7%) were taking a SGLT2i. After PSM, 5049 patients (mean age 66.7 ± 10.6 years; 28.9% female) were included in each group. At 3-years follow-up, the risk of ischaemic stroke/TIA was higher in patients not receiving SGLT2i (HR 1.12, 95% CI 1.01-1.24) and for ICH (HR 1.57, 95% CI 1.25-1.99) and incident dementia (HR 1.66, 95% CI 1.30-2.12). Incident heart failure (HR 1.50, 95% CI 1.34-1.68) and mortality (HR 1.77, 95% CI 1.58-1.99) risks were increased in AF patients not receiving SGLT2i.

CONCLUSIONS

In our large 'real world' analysis of patients with concomitant AF and T2DM, SGLT2i reduced the risk of cerebrovascular events, incident dementia, heart failure and death.

Diabetic vascular diseases: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies

Vascular complications of diabetes pose a severe threat to human health. Prevention and treatment protocols based on a single vascular complication are no longer suitable for the long-term management of patients with diabetes. Diabetic panvascular disease (DPD) is a clinical syndrome in which vessels of various sizes, including macrovessels and microvessels in the cardiac, cerebral, renal, ophthalmic, and peripheral systems of patients with diabetes, develop atherosclerosis as a common pathology. Pathological manifestations of DPDs usually manifest macrovascular atherosclerosis, as well as microvascular endothelial function impairment, basement membrane thickening, and microthrombosis. Cardiac, cerebral, and peripheral microangiopathy coexist with microangiopathy, while renal and retinal are predominantly microangiopathic. The following associations exist between DPDs: numerous similar molecular mechanisms, and risk-predictive relationships between diseases. Aggressive glycemic control combined with early comprehensive vascular intervention is the key to prevention and treatment. In addition to the widely recommended metformin, glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, for the latest molecular mechanisms, aldose reductase inhibitors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ agonizts, glucokinases agonizts, mitochondrial energy modulators, etc. are under active development. DPDs are proposed for patients to obtain more systematic clinical care requires a comprehensive diabetes care center focusing on panvascular diseases. This would leverage the advantages of a cross-disciplinary approach to achieve better integration of the pathogenesis and therapeutic evidence. Such a strategy would confer more clinical benefits to patients and promote the comprehensive development of DPD as a discipline.

The Effect of Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitors on Stroke and Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The effect of Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on the occurrence of AF and stroke remains unclear due to underpowered individual studies. We aim to conduct a meta-analysis including all studies that have evaluated the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on the occurrence of AF and stroke. We queried electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL and ClinicalTrials.gov) for randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors. Trials were selected if they reported 1 or both of the pre-specified outcomes of stroke and AF. Results were pooled using a random-effects model. Subgroup analysis was conducted to study patients with T2DM, HF, CVD and CKD. 56 trials comprising 111,773 patients were included. SGLT2 inhibitors significantly reduced the incidence of AF across all studies (RR:0.87; 95%CI, [0.76-0.99], P=0.03, I^2=0%) especially when used as monotherapy (RR:0.87; 95%CI, [0.77-0.99], P=0.04, I^2=0%) and among T2DM patients (RR:0.83; 95%CI, [0.72-0.97], P=0.02, I^2=0%). The risk of stroke was not reduced after treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors (RR:0.97; 95%CI, [0.89-1.07], P=0.56, I^2=0%) and this was consistent when given as monotherapy (RR:0.98; 95%CI, [0.89-1.07], P=0.62, I^2=0%) or combination therapy (RR:0.58; 95%CI, [0.17-1.95], P=0.38, I^2=0%). This result was consistent among the 3 subpopulations: T2DM, CVD and HF, however benefit was seen in patients with CKD (eGFR<90) (RR:0.85; 95%CI, [0.75-0.97], P=0.02, I^2=0%). SGLT2 inhibitors significantly reduce the incidence of atrial fibrillation, and this effect is primarily seen when given as monotherapy and in patients with T2DM. However, they have no significant effect on the incidence of stroke, except for in patients with Stage 2 CKD and beyond (eGFR<90).

Neutral effects of SGLT2 inhibitors in acute coronary syndromes, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, or ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Patients with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. Sodium-glucose transport 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have been shown to enhance cardiovascular health since their debut as a second-line therapy for diabetes. Acute coronary syndrome (ACS), peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD), and ischemic stroke (IS) are types of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), although the benefits of treating these disorders have not been shown consistently.

METHODS

We searched four databases (PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane library, and clinicaltrial.gov) for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) until November of 2022. Comparisons were made between SGLT2i-treated and control individuals with type 2 diabetes. Primary outcomes were ACS, PAOD, and IS; secondary outcomes included cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality. Risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were determined using a fixed effects model. Cochrane's risk-of-bias (RoB2) instrument was used to assess the validity of each study that met the inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

We enrolled 79,504 patients with type 2 diabetes from 43 RCTs. There was no difference in the risk of ACS (RR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.89-1.05), PAOD (RR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.78-1.24), or IS (RR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.79-1.14) among patients who took an SGLT2i compared to those who took a placebo or oral hypoglycemic drugs. Subgroup analysis revealed that none of the SGLT2i treatments (canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, and ertugliflozin) significantly altered outcomes when analyzed separately. Consistent with prior findings, SGLT2i reduced the risk of cardiovascular mortality (RR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.77-0.93) and all-cause mortality (RR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.82-0.94).

CONCLUSION

Our results appear to contradict the mainstream concepts regarding the cardiovascular effects of SGLT2i since we found no significant therapeutic benefits in SGLT2i to reduce the incidence of ACS, PAOD, or IS when compared to placebo or oral hypoglycemic drugs.

Impact of empagliflozin on left atrial mechanical and conduction functions in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

Empagliflozin, an oral anti-diabetic drug that inhibits the sodium-dependent glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2), has pleiotropic effects on the myocardium. The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of empagliflozin on atrial electromechanical delay (AEMD) and the left atrial (LA) mechanical functions in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

METHOD

In total 62 patients (40.3% female, mean age 50.5 ± 8.6 years old) with type 2 DM were enrolled to the study. Participants were used a SGLT2 inhibitor (empagliflozin 10-25 mg/daily) for 6 months. Patients were examined initially and after 6 months with echocardiography. LA volume was recorded, atrial conduction times were measured using tissue Doppler imaging (TDI).

RESULTS

No significant change was observed in LA volumes (maximal, minimal, and presystolic), total emptying and passive emptying volume at the end of 6 months; however, there was a significant decrease in active emptying volume (8.3 ± 2.9 ml/m² vs. 7.9 ± 2.9 ml/m² , p = 0.04). The posteroanterior lateral, septal, and tricuspid conduction times significantly decreased after the empagliflozin treatment. The decrease in right inter-AEMD was statistically significant (13.25 ± 10.21 ms vs. 10.85 ± 9.14 ms, p = 0.011). The changes in inter-AEMD were found to be correlated with the changes in LA active emptying volume (r = 0.408).

CONCLUSION

Empagliflozin may enhance the structure and electrical conductions of the atrium and may prevent DM patients from DM-2-related functional disorder and arrhythmia.

Risks of stroke, its subtypes and atrial fibrillation associated with glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists versus sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors: a real-world population-based cohort study in Hong Kong

BACKGROUND

There are limited data on head-to-head comparative risk of stroke between sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA). We compared risk of stroke with its subtypes and incident atrial fibrillation (AF) between them.

METHODS

A population-based, retrospective cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes between 2008 and 2020 were identified from the electronic health records of Hong Kong Hospital Authority. Patients who received SGLT2i or GLP-1RA were matched pairwise by propensity score. Risks of stroke and AF were evaluated by hazard ratios (HRs) from the Cox proportional hazard regression models.

RESULTS

A total of 5840 patients (2920 SGLT2i users; 2920 GLP-1RA users) were included (mean age 55.5 years, 56.1% men, mean HbA1c 8.9% and duration of diabetes 13.7 years). Upon median follow-up of 17 months, there were 111 (1.9%) events of stroke (SGLT2i: 62, 2.1%; GLP-1RA: 49 1.7%). SGLT2i users had comparable risk of all stroke as GLP-1RA users (HR 1.46, 95% CI 0.99-2.17, p = 0.058). SGLT2i users had higher risk of ischemic stroke (HR 1.53, 95% CI 1.01-2.33, p = 0.044) but similar risk of hemorrhagic stroke compared to GLP-1RA users. Although SGLT2i was associated with lower risk of incident AF (HR 0.43, 95% CI 0.23-0.79, p = 0.006), risk of cardioembolic stroke was similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Our real-world study demonstrated that GLP-1RA use was associated with lower risk of ischemic stroke, despite the association between SGLT2i use and lower risk of incident AF. There was no significant difference in hemorrhagic stroke risk. GLP-1RA may be the preferred agent for patients with type 2 diabetes at risk of ischemic stroke.

Comparative efficacy of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

AIM

To compare the relative efficacy of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2is), glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (nsMRAs) in improving the cardiovascular and renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library from inception through 25 November 2022. We selected randomized controlled trials that studied patients with CKD and T2D with a follow-up of at least 24 weeks and compared SGLT-2is, GLP-1RAs and nsMRAs with each other and with placebo. Primary outcomes were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and composite renal outcomes (CRO). Secondary outcomes were cardiovascular death, all-cause death, stroke, myocardial infarction and heart failure hospitalization (HFH). A frequentist approach was used to pool risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Twenty-nine studies with 50 938 participants for MACE and 49 965 participants for CRO were included. SGLT-2is did not significantly reduce MACE but were associated with significantly lower risks of CRO compared with GLP-1RAs (RR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.64-0.91; P = .003) and nsMRAs (RR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.68-0.90; P = .001). Compared with GLP-1RAs and nsMRAs, SGLT-2is significantly reduced risks of HFH by 31% (RR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.55-0.88; P = .002) and 22% (RR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.63-0.95; P = .016), respectively, but did not significantly reduce other secondary outcomes. There were no significant differences between GLP-1RAs and nsMRAs in lowering all outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

SGLT-2is were associated with better cardiorenal protection than GLP-1RAs and nsMRAs in patients with CKD and T2D.

Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor Treatment and Risk of Atrial Fibrillation: Scandinavian Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between use of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and the risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in routine clinical practice.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We used nationwide registers in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden from 2013 to 2018 in order to include patients without a history of AF who were newly prescribed an SGLT2 inhibitor or an active comparator (glucagon-like peptide 1 [GLP-1] receptor agonist). We performed a cohort study to assess new-onset AF in intention-to-treat analyses using Cox regression, adjusted for baseline covariates with propensity score weighting.

RESULTS

We identified 79,343 new users of SGLT2 inhibitors (59.2% dapagliflozin, 40.0% empagliflozin, 0.8% canagliflozin, <0.1% ertugliflozin) and 57,613 new users of GLP-1 receptor agonists. Mean age of the study cohort was 61 years and 60% were men. The adjusted incidence rate of new-onset AF was 8.6 per 1,000 person-years for new users of SGLT2 inhibitors compared with 10.0 per 1,000 person-years for new users of GLP-1 receptor agonists. The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) was 0.89 (95% CI 0.81-0.96), and the rate difference was 1.4 fewer events per 1,000 person-years (95% CI 0.6-2.1). Using an as-treated exposure definition, the aHR for new-onset AF was 0.87 (95% CI 0.76-0.99). No statistically significant heterogeneity of the aHRs was observed between subgroups of patients with and without a history of heart failure or major cardiovascular disease.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort study using nationwide data from three countries, use of SGLT2 inhibitors, compared with GLP-1 receptor agonists, was associated with a modestly reduced risk of new-onset AF.

Role of cerebral microbleeds in acute ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation

Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are commonly detected in the brains of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). With the development of neuroimaging, clinicians are paying more attention to the presence of CMBs. CMBs were found to significantly increase the risk of intracranial hemorrhagic transformation and hemorrhage in patients with AIS, especially in patients with concurrent atrial fibrillation (AF). Additionally, the presence of CMBs is thought to be a symbol of a high risk of recurrent ischemic stroke (IS). A few researchers have found that the presence of CMBs has no significant effect on the prognosis of patients with AIS. Therefore, the current views on the role of CMBs in the prognoses of patients with IS are controversial. The use of anticoagulants and other drugs has also become a dilemma due to the special influence of CMBs on the prognosis of these patients. Due to the large number of patients with AF and CMBs, many studies have been conducted on the effects of CMBs on these patients and subsequent pharmacological treatments. However, at present, there are no relevant guidelines to guide the secondary preventive treatment of patients with stroke, CMBs, and AF. In this paper, we summarized the role of CMBs in AIS combined with AF and relevant preventive measures against the recurrence of stroke and the occurrence of intracerebral hemorrhage to help clarify the specifics of drug therapies for this group of patients.

From Kidney Protection to Stroke Prevention: The Potential Role of Sodium Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an independent risk factor for stroke and covert cerebrovascular disease, and up to 40% of stroke patients have concomitant CKD. However, the so-called "cerebrorenal interaction" attracted less attention compared to its cardiorenal counterpart. Diabetes is the leading cause of CKD. The sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT) 2 inhibitor is a relatively new class of oral anti-diabetic drugs and has cardiorenal benefits in addition to glucose-lowering effects. In the present perspective, we would like to review the current status and future potential of the SGLT2 inhibitor in cerebro-renal interactions and strokes regardless of the status of diabetes. We propose the potential roles of baseline renal functions and SGLT1/2 dual inhibition in stroke prevention, as well as the additional benefits of reducing atrial fibrillation and hemorrhagic stroke for SGLT2 inhibitors. Further clinical trials are anticipated to test whether SGLT2 inhibitors can fulfill the long-standing unmet clinical need and stop such a vicious cycle of cerebro-renal interaction.

Network meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of finerenone versus SGLT2 inhibitors on reducing new-onset of atrial fibrillation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of finerenone and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on reducing new-onset of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

METHOD

We searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Medline and Embase covering January 1, 2000 to April 30, 2022. Randomized control trials comparing finerenone or SGLT2i with placebo in patients with T2DM and CKD were selected. Results were reported as risk ratio (RR) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

A total of 10 studies (35,841 patients) were included. Finerenone (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.62-0.99) was associated with a decreased risk of AF compared with placebo, while SGLT2i were not. SGLT2i were associated with a decreased risk of hospitalization for heart failure (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.63-0.98) compared with finerenone. They were comparable in AF(RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.48,1.46), major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE) (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.81,1.06) and nonfatal stroke(RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.58,1.05). They both showed no significant risk of adverse events compared with placebo.

CONCLUSION

There was no significant difference in the reduction of new-onset of atrial fibrillation between Finerenone and SGLT2i based on the indirect comparisons of currently available clinical studies. The large-sampled head-to-head trials was needed for the more precise conclusion.

Benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors in arrhythmias

Some studies have shown that sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT) 2 inhibitors can definitively attenuate the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure (HF), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and myocardial infarction. With the development of research, SGLT2 inhibitors can also reduce the risk of arrhythmias. So in this review, how SGLT2 inhibitors play a role in reducing the risk of arrhythmia from the perspective of electrical remodeling and structural remodeling are explored and then the possible mechanisms are discussed. Specifically, we focus on the role of SGLT2 inhibitors in Na+ and Ca2 + homeostasis and the transients of Na+ and Ca2 +, which could affect electrical remodeling and then lead to arrythmia. We also discuss the protective role of SGLT2 inhibitors in structural remodeling from the perspective of fibrosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Ultimately, it is clear that SGLT2 inhibitors have significant benefits on cardiovascular diseases such as HF, myocardial hypertrophy and myocardial infarction. It can be expected that SGLT2 inhibitors can reduce the risk of arrhythmia.

Association of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors With Incident Atrial Fibrillation in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

IMPORTANCE

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2is) have demonstrated many cardiovascular and kidney function benefits for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the results of SGLT-2i use in primary prevention of atrial fibrillation (AF) were inconsistent in clinical trials, and incident AF was not a prespecified end point.

OBJECTIVE

To examine incident AF with initiation of an SGLT-2i compared with initiation of a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP-4i) or a glucagonlike peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) among older adults (aged ≥66 years) with T2D in routine clinical practice.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A population-based new-user cohort study included older adults with T2D who had no history of AF and were enrolled in Medicare fee-for-service from April 1, 2013, to December 31, 2018. Data analysis was performed from June 28 to December 1, 2021.

EXPOSURES

To control for potential confounding, new users of SGLT-2i were 1:1 propensity score (PS)-matched to new users of DPP-4is or GLP-1RAs in 2 pairwise comparisons based on 138 baseline covariates.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was incident AF, defined as an inpatient diagnosis code for AF. Hazard ratios (HRs) and rate differences (RDs) per 1000 person-years, with their 95% CIs, were estimated in the PS-matched groups.

RESULTS

New users of SGLT-2is were 1:1 PS-matched to new users of a DPP-4i (n = 74 868) or GLP-1RA (n = 80 475). Overall, the mean (SD) age of study participants was 72 (5) years, and 165 984 were women (53.4%). The risk of incident AF was lower in the SGLT-2i group than the matched DPP-4i group (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.76 to 0.89; RD, -3.7; 95% CI, -5.2 to -2.2 per 1000 person-years) or the matched GLP-1RA group (HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.83 to 0.98; RD, -1.8; 95% CI, -3.2 to -0.3 per 1000 person-years). Results were consistent across several sensitivity and subgroup analyses.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The findings of this study suggest that the initiation of an SGLT-2i was associated with a reduced risk of incident AF compared with a DPP-4i or GLP-1RA. The results may be helpful when weighing the potential risks and benefits of various glucose level-lowering agents in older adults with T2D.

Canagliflozin and atrial fibrillation in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A secondary analysis from the CANVAS Program and CREDENCE trial and meta-analysis

AIM

To assess the effects of canagliflozin on the incidence of atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter (AF/AFL) and other key cardiorenal outcomes in a pooled analysis of the CANVAS and CREDENCE trials.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Participants with type 2 diabetes and high risk of cardiovascular disease or chronic kidney disease were included and randomly assigned to canagliflozin or placebo. We explored the effects of canagliflozin on the incidence of first AF/AFL events and AF/AFL-related complications (ischaemic stroke/transient ischaemic attack/hospitalization for heart failure). Major adverse cardiovascular events and a renal-specific outcome by baseline AF/AFL status were analysed using Cox regression models.

RESULTS

Overall, 354 participants experienced a first AF/AFL event. Canagliflozin had no detectable effect on AF/AFL (hazard ratio [HR] 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.67-1.02) compared with placebo. Subgroup analysis, however, suggested a possible reduction in AF/AFL in those with no AF/AFL history (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.62-0.99). Canagliflozin was also associated with a reduction in AF/AFL-related complications (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.65-0.86). There was no evidence of treatment heterogeneity by baseline AF/AFL history for other key cardiorenal outcomes (all P_interaction  > 0.14). Meta-analysis of five sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor trials demonstrated a 19% reduction in AF/AFL events with active treatment (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.72-0.92).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, a significant effect of canagliflozin on the incidence of AF/AFL events could not be shown, however, a possible reduction in AF/AFL events in those with no prior history requires further investigation. Meta-analysis suggests SGLT2 inhibition reduces AF/AFL incidence.

In-hospital arrhythmic burden reduction in diabetic patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with SGLT2-inhibitors: Insights from the SGLT2-I AMI PROTECT study

Background

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2-i) have shown significant cardiovascular benefits in patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). They have also gained interest for their potential anti-arrhythmic role and their ability to reduce the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) in T2DM and heart failure patients.

Objectives

To investigate in-hospital new-onset cardiac arrhythmias in a cohort of T2DM patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) treated with SGLT2-i vs. other oral anti-diabetic agents (non-SGLT2-i users).

Methods

Patients from the SGLT2-I AMI PROTECT registry (NCT05261867) were stratified according to the use of SGLT2-i before admission for AMI, divided into SGLT2-i users vs. non-SGLT2-i users. In-hospital outcomes included the occurrence of in-hospital new-onset cardiac arrhythmias (NOCAs), defined as a composite of new-onset AF and sustained new-onset ventricular tachycardia (VT) and/or ventricular fibrillation (VF) during hospitalization.

Results

The study population comprised 646 AMI patients categorized into SGLT2-i users (111 patients) and non-SGLT2-i users (535 patients). SGLT2-i users had a lower rate of NOCAs compared with non-SGLT2-i users (6.3 vs. 15.7%, p = 0.010). Moreover, SGLT2-i was associated with a lower rate of AF and VT/VF considered individually (p = 0.032). In the multivariate logistic regression model, after adjusting for all confounding factors, the use of SGLT2-i was identified as an independent predictor of the lower occurrence of NOCAs (OR = 0.35; 95%CI 0.14-0.86; p = 0.022). At multinomial logistic regression, after adjusting for potential confounders, SGLT2-i therapy remained an independent predictor of VT/VF occurrence (OR = 0.20; 95%CI 0.04-0.97; p = 0.046) but not of AF occurrence.

Conclusions

In T2DM patients, the use of SGLT2-i was associated with a lower risk of new-onset arrhythmic events during hospitalization for AMI. In particular, the primary effect was expressed in the reduction of VAs. These findings emphasize the cardioprotective effects of SGLT2-i in the setting of AMI beyond glycemic control.

Trial registration

Data are part of the observational international registry: SGLT2-I AMI PROTECT. ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT05261867.

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors reduce the risk of new-onset stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes: A population-based cohort study

Background

Epidemiological evidence suggests the association of diabetes with an increased risk of stroke. Clinical studies have investigated the effects of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on new-onset stroke (NOS), but the results are inconsistent.

Objectives

To determine the association between the use of SGLT2 inhibitors and NOS in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective longitudinal cohort study based on the Taiwan Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database (2016–2019). The primary outcome of the assessment was the risk of incident stroke by estimating hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Multiple Cox regression was applied to estimate the adjusted HR of NOS. Subgroup analysis was also conducted.

Results

Among the 232,101 eligible patients with type 2 DM aged ≥ 20 years, SGLT2-inhibitor users were compared with non-SGLT2-inhibitor users based on age, sex, and the duration of type 2 DM matching at a ratio of 1:2. The event rate per 10 000 person-months was 9.20 (95% CI 8.95 to 9.45) for SGLT2-inhibitor users and 10.5(10.3–10.6) for non-SGLT2-inhibitor users. There was a decreased risk of NOS for SGLT2-inhibitor users (adjusted HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.82–0.88) compared with non-SGLT2-inhibitor users. Results for the propensity score-matched analyses showed similar results (adjusted HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.84–0.91 for both SGLT2-inhibitor users and non-SGLT2-inhibitor users).

Conclusion

The risk of developing NOS was lower in patients with SGLT2-inhibitor users than in non-SGLT2-inhibitor users. The decreased risk of NOS in patients with type 2 DM was greater among patients with concurrent use of statins, biguanides, thiazolidinediones, and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. We, therefore, suggest that the long-term use of SGLT2 inhibitors may help reduce the incidence of NOS in patients with type 2 DM.

Comparative cardiovascular effectiveness of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists versus sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes: A population-based cohort study

AIMS

To examine the comparative effectiveness of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors for select cardiovascular outcomes and to examine whether the relative risks varied across different patient subgroups in patients with type 2 diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a nationwide cohort study of patients with type 2 diabetes who initiated GLP-1RAs or SGLT2 inhibitors between 2012 and 2018 in Taiwan. The study outcomes included myocardial infarction and total stroke, further classified into ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke. We estimated the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each outcome, comparing GLP-1RAs with SGLT2 inhibitors using Cox proportional hazards models after 1:1 propensity-score (PS) matching. We also examined if there was effect modification by age, underlying chronic kidney disease, or coexisting cardiovascular disease in prespecified subgroup analyses.

RESULTS

Among 26 032 PS-matched patients, GLP-1RA initiators and SGLT2 inhibitor initiators showed similar risks of myocardial infarction (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.65-1.52), total stroke (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.69-1.17), ischaemic stroke (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.65-1.14) and haemorrhagic stroke (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.63-1.25). However, GLP-1RA treatment was associated with an increased risk of total stroke (HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.06-2.94) and ischaemic stroke (HR 1.88, 95% CI 1.09-3.23) among patients with chronic kidney disease, but not among patients without chronic kidney disease. GLP-1RA therapy seemed to have a lower risk of haemorrhagic stroke among patients with cardiovascular disease (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.43-0.97), but not in patients without cardiovascular disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors appeared to have comparable effectiveness with regard to several cardiovascular outcomes overall, but their comparative effectiveness may vary in certain patient subgroups.

A New Hope: Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibition to Prevent Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial arrhythmias are common in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), and despite recent advances in pharmaceutical and invasive treatments, atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFl) are still associated with substantial mortality and morbidity. Clinical trial data imply a protective effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) on the occurrence of AF and AFl. This review summarizes the state of knowledge regarding DM-mediated mechanisms responsible for AF genesis and recurrence but also discusses the recent data from experimental studies, published trials and metanalyses.

Putative protective effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors on atrial fibrillation through risk factor modulation and off-target actions: potential mechanisms and future directions

Atrial fibrillation, the most common cardiac arrhythmia, results in substantial morbidity and mortality related to its increased risks of stroke, heart failure, and impaired cognitive function. The incidence and prevalence of atrial fibrillation in the general population is rising, making atrial fibrillation treatment and management of its risk factors highly relevant clinical targets. One well-studied risk factor for the development of atrial fibrillation is diabetes mellitus. Inhibitors of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), common medications used to treat diabetes mellitus, have been observed to decrease the incidence of atrial fibrillation. This review discusses the SGLT2 and its role in glucose homeostasis, molecules inhibiting the transporter, possible physiological mechanisms responsible for the decreased incident atrial fibrillation in patients treated with SGLT2 inhibitors and proposes mechanistic studies to further our understanding of the biological processes involved.

The Intersection of SGLT2 Inhibitors, Cognitive Impairment, and CKD

Impairment in cognition and decline in kidney function often converge in the aging individual with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Cognitive impairment (CI) may be preventable through modification of health behaviors and risk factors that contribute to the vascular disease burden. CKD patients often have multiple coexisting comorbid conditions contributing to vascular risk. These comorbidities include hypertension, diabetes, cerebrovascular disease, and cardiovascular disease. Emerging evidence suggests that the management and prevention of vascular risk factors and cardiovascular diseases may indirectly contribute to the prevention of CI in CKD. Sodium glucose transport protein 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are emerging as the standard of care for selected individuals with CKD, type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and heart failure with rapidly expanding indications being actively investigated. In this narrative review, we examine the intriguing hypothesis that SGLT2i demonstrate potential disease modifying properties in CI among individuals with CKD.

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 role of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in type 2 diabetes mellitus management

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic, complex metabolic disease characterized by chronic hyperglycemia causing from insufficient insulin signaling because of insulin resistance or defective insulin secretion, and may induce severe complications and premature death. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are oral drugs used to reduce hyperglycemia in patients with T2DM, including empagliflozin, ertugliflozin, dapagliflozin and canagliflozin. The primary objective of this article is to examine the clinical benefit, safety, and tolerability of the four SGLT2 inhibitors approved by the US FDA. SGLT2 inhibitors increase urinary glucose excretion via inhibiting SGLT2 to decrease renal reabsorption of filtered glucose and reduce the renal threshold for glucose. Rather than stimulating insulin release, SGLT2 inhibitors improve β-cell function by improving glucotoxicity, as well as reduce insulin resistance and increase insulin sensitivity. Early clinical trials have confirmed the beneficial effects of SGLT2 in T2DM with acceptable safety and excellent tolerability. In recent years, SGLT2 inhibitors has been successively approved by the FDA to decrease cardiovascular death and decrease the risk of stroke and cardiac attack in T2DM adults who have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, treating heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction and HF with preserved ejection fraction, and treat diabetic kidney disease (DKD), decrease the risk of hospitalization for HF in T2DM and DKD patients. SGLT2 inhibitors are expected to be an effective treatment for T2DM patients with non alcoholic fatty liver disease. SGLT2 inhibitors have a similar safety profile to placebo or other active control groups, with major adverse events such as Ketoacidosis or hypotension and genital or urinary tract infections.

An Overview of the Cardiorenal Protective Mechanisms of SGLT2 Inhibitors

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors block glucose reabsorption in the renal proximal tubule, an insulin-independent mechanism that plays a critical role in glycemic regulation in diabetes. In addition to their glucose-lowering effects, SGLT2 inhibitors prevent both renal damage and the onset of chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular events, in particular heart failure with both reduced and preserved ejection fraction. These unexpected benefits prompted changes in treatment guidelines and scientific interest in the underlying mechanisms. Aside from the target effects of SGLT2 inhibition, a wide spectrum of beneficial actions is described for the kidney and the heart, even though the cardiac tissue does not express SGLT2 channels. Correction of cardiorenal risk factors, metabolic adjustments ameliorating myocardial substrate utilization, and optimization of ventricular loading conditions through effects on diuresis, natriuresis, and vascular function appear to be the main underlying mechanisms for the observed cardiorenal protection. Additional clinical advantages associated with using SGLT2 inhibitors are antifibrotic effects due to correction of inflammation and oxidative stress, modulation of mitochondrial function, and autophagy. Much research is required to understand the numerous and complex pathways involved in SGLT2 inhibition. This review summarizes the current known mechanisms of SGLT2-mediated cardiorenal protection.

Association of SGLT2 inhibitors with cardiovascular, kidney, and safety outcomes among patients with diabetic kidney disease: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the cardiovascular, kidney, and safety outcomes of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) among patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD).

METHODS

We searched electronic databases for major randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials published up to September 30, 2021 and reporting on cardiovascular and kidney outcomes of SGLT2i in patients with DKD. DKD was defined as chronic kidney disease in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Random-effects meta-analysis models were used to estimate pooled hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for clinical outcomes including major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE: myocardial infarction [MI], stroke, and cardiovascular death), kidney composite outcomes (a combination of worsening kidney function, end-stage kidney disease, or death from renal or cardiovascular causes), hospitalizations for heart failure (HHF), deaths and safety events (mycotic infections, diabetic ketoacidosis [DKA], volume depletion, amputations, fractures, urinary tract infections [UTI], acute kidney injury [AKI], and hyperkalemia).

RESULTS

A total of 26,106 participants with DKD from 8 large-scale trials were included (median age: 65.2 years, 29.7-41.8% women, 53.2-93.2% White, median follow-up: 2.5 years). SGLT2i were associated with reduced risks of MACE (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.75-0.93), kidney composite outcomes (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.58-0.75), HHF (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.55-0.71), cardiovascular death (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.74-0.96), MI (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.67-0.92), stroke (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.59-0.97), and all-cause death (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.77-0.96), with no significant heterogeneity detected. Similar results were observed among participants with reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR: < 60 mL/min/1.73m²). The relative risks (95% CI) for adverse events were 3.89 (1.42-10.62) and 2.50 (1.32-4.72) for mycotic infections in men and women respectively, 3.54 (0.82-15.39) for DKA, and 1.29 (1.13-1.48) for volume depletion.

CONCLUSIONS

Among adults with DKD, SGLT2i were associated with reduced risks of MACE, kidney outcomes, HHF, and death. With a few exceptions of more clear safety signals, we found overall limited data on the associations between SGLT2i and safety outcomes. More research is needed on the safety profile of SGLT2i in this population.

Role of Epicardial Adipose Tissue in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Review

Simple Summary

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading causes of death worldwide. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular events and a promising new therapeutic target in CVDs. Here, we summarize the currently available evidence regarding the role of EAT in the development of CVDs, including coronary artery disease, heart failure and atrial fibrillation; compile data regarding the association between EAT’s function and the course of COVID-19; and present new potential therapeutic possibilities, aiming at modifying EAT’s function. The development of novel therapies specifically targeting EAT could revolutionize the prognosis in CVDs.

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading causes of death worldwide. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is defined as a fat depot localized between the myocardial surface and the visceral layer of the pericardium and is a type of visceral fat. EAT is one of the most important risk factors for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events and a promising new therapeutic target in CVDs. In health conditions, EAT has a protective function, including protection against hypothermia or mechanical stress, providing myocardial energy supply from free fatty acid and release of adiponectin. In patients with obesity, metabolic syndrome, or diabetes mellitus, EAT becomes a deleterious tissue promoting the development of CVDs. Previously, we showed an adverse modulation of gene expression in pericoronary adipose tissue in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Here, we summarize the currently available evidence regarding the role of EAT in the development of CVDs, including CAD, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. Due to the rapid development of the COVID-19 pandemic, we also discuss data regarding the association between EAT and the course of COVID-19. Finally, we present the potential therapeutic possibilities aiming at modifying EAT’s function. The development of novel therapies specifically targeting EAT could revolutionize the prognosis in CVDs.