Association Between SGLT2is and Cardiovascular and Respiratory Diseases: A Meta-Analysis of Large Trials

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

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

A comprehensive meta-analysis on the association of SGLT2is and GLP-1RAs with vascular diseases, digestive diseases and fractures

AIM

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are two new classes of antidiabetic agents. We aimed to evaluate the association between these two drug classes and risk of various vascular diseases, digestive diseases and fractures.

METHODS

Large randomized trials of SGLT2is and GLP-1RAs were included. Outcomes of interest were the various serious adverse events related to vascular diseases, digestive diseases and fractures. We performed meta-analyses using synthesize risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) as effect size.

RESULTS

We included 27 large trials. SGLT2is had significant association with less hypertension (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.54-0.91), hypertensive crisis (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.47-0.84), varicose vein (RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.13-0.92), and vomiting (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.31-0.97); but more spinal compression fracture (RR 1.73, 95% CI 1.02-2.92) and tibia fracture. GLP-1RAs had significant association with more deep vein thrombosis (RR 1.92, 95% CI 1.23-3.00), pancreatitis (RR 1.54, 95% CI 1.07-2.22), and cholecystitis acute (RR 1.51, 95% CI 1.08-2.09); but less rib fracture (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.35-0.97). Sensitivity analyses suggested that our findings were robust.

CONCLUSIONS

SGLT2is may have protective effects against specific vascular and digestive diseases, whereas they may increase the incidence of site-specific fractures (e.g., spinal compression fracture). GLP-1RAs may have protective effects against site-specific fractures (i.e., rib fracture), whereas they may increase the incidence of specific vascular and digestive diseases. These findings may help to make a choice between SGLT2is and GLP-1RAs in clinical practice.

The relationship between use of SGLT2is and incidence of respiratory and infectious diseases and site-specific fractures: a meta-analysis based on 32 large RCTs

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the relationship between use of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) and incidence of various respiratory and infectious diseases and site-specific fractures.

METHODS

Large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of SGLT2is enrolling more than 400 subjects were included. Outcomes of interest were various serious adverse events regarding to respiratory and infectious disorders and site-specific fractures. Meta-analysis was done using risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) as effect size.

RESULTS

Thirty-two large RCTs were included in this meta-analysis. Use of SGLT2is was significantly associated with the lower incidences of 6 kinds of noninfectious respiratory diseases {e.g., Asthma (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.43-0.96; P = 0.0299), Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.62-0.91; P = 0.0027), and Respiratory failure (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.61-0.99; P = 0.0447)} and 4 kinds of infectious respiratory diseases {e.g., Bronchitis (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.46-0.81; P = 0.0007), and Pneumonia (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.78-0.93; P = 0.0002)}. Use of SGLT2is was not significantly associated with the incidences of 31 kinds of site-specific fractures (e.g., Hip fracture, Femoral neck fracture, and Spinal fracture; P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis confirmed the benefits of SGLT2is against 6 kinds of noninfectious respiratory diseases (e.g., Asthma, COPD, and Respiratory failure) and 4 kinds of infectious respiratory diseases (e.g., Bronchitis, and Pneumonia). These findings suggest a likelihood that SGLT2is might be used to prevent or treat these respiratory diseases. Moreover, our meta-analysis for the first time revealed no association between use of SGLT2is and incidence of various site-specific fractures.

Association of SGLT2is with cardiovascular and reproductive diseases: a meta-analysis based on 14 large-scale randomized trials

AIM

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) can improve long-term cardio-renal outcomes in patients with diabetes, heart failure (HF), or renal failure. We aimed to investigate the association of SGLT2is with the risks of various cardiovascular and reproductive diseases.

METHODS

Large-scale randomized trials enrolling more than 1000 participants and assessing SGLT2is were included. Outcomes of interest were the various serious adverse events related to cardiovascular or reproductive diseases. Meta-analysis was done to generate pooled risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

We included 14 large trials and evaluated 169 types of cardiovascular and reproductive diseases. SGLT2is were significantly associated with the lower risks of 13 types of cardiovascular diseases, e.g., cardiac failure chronic (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.57-0.87), cardiac failure congestive (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.66-0.83), acute cardiac failure (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.60-0.86), coronary artery disease (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.58-0.97), ischemic cardiomyopathy (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.52-0.99), atrial fibrillation (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.78-0.99), bradycardia (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.53-0.99), and hypertension (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.54-0.91). SGLT2is were not significantly associated with 18 types of reproductive diseases, e.g., adenomyosis, endometrial hyperplasia, and metrorrhagia. Although SGLT2is were observed to have a significant association with a higher risk of uterine prolapse, the 95% CI of RR for this outcome was relatively wide.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis confirms the benefits of SGLT2is against chronic congestive HF again; reveals the possible benefits of SGLT2is against acute HF, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, and hypertension; and identifies that SGLT2is are safe in general for the reproductive system.

SGLT inhibitors for improving Healthspan and lifespan

Sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitor/inhibition (SGLTi), initially approved as a glucose-lowering therapy for type 2 diabetes, is associated with decreased risks for many of the most common conditions of aging, including heart failure, chronic kidney disease, all-cause hospitalization, atrial fibrillation, cancer, gout, emphysema, neurodegenerative disease/dementia, emphysema, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, atherosclerotic disease, and infections. Studies also show that SGLTi improves overall life expectancy and reduces risks of cardiovascular death and cancer death. These wide-ranging health benefits are largely unexplained by the SGLTi's modest improvements in standard risk factors. SGLTi produces upregulation of nutrient deprivation signaling and downregulation of nutrient surplus signaling. This in turn promotes autophagy, which helps to optimize cellular integrity and prevent apoptotic cell death. SGLTi decreases oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress, restores of mitochondrial health, stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis, and diminishes proinflammatory and profibrotic pathways. These actions help to revitalize senescent cells, tissues, and organs. In summary, SGLTi appears to slow aging, prevent disease, and improve life expectancy, and its mechanisms of action lend strong biological plausibility to this hypothesis. Further randomized trials are warranted to test whether SGLTi, a safe and well-tolerated, once-daily pill, might improve healthspan and lifespan.

Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors: Harms or Unexpected Benefits?

There is a need for innovative pharmaceutical intervention in light of the increasing prevalence of metabolic disease and cardiovascular disease. The kidneys' sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2) receptors are targeted to reduce glucose reabsorption by SGLT2. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) benefit the most from reduced blood glucose levels, although this is just one of the numerous physiological consequences. To establish existing understanding and possible advantages and risks for SGLT2 inhibitors in clinical practice, this article will explore the influence of SGLT2 inhibitors on six major organ systems. In addition, this literature review will discuss the benefits and potential drawbacks of SGLT2 inhibitors on various organ systems and their potential application in therapeutic settings.

Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors: Benefits Versus Risk

With the growing burden of metabolic disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes mellitus, there is an implication for new pharmacological intervention. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a class of drugs that work on SGLT2 receptors in the kidneys to decrease glucose reabsorption. Lowering glucose levels mainly aids those with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), but they also have many other effects on the body. This article will investigate the impact of SGLT2i on six relevant organ systems; to establish current knowledge and potential benefits and risk for SGLTi in clinical practice. The medications that inhibit SGLT2 suffix with flozins are known to help decrease hypertension, acute cardiac failure, and bradycardia in the cardiovascular system. Flozins were found to aid with acute pulmonary edema, asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the pulmonary system. SGLT2 is also found in the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and as such, SGLT2i can also affect the central nervous system (CNS). They reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS), BBB leakage, microglia burden, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) levels. In the liver, this class of drugs can also assist with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatotoxicity, and weight loss. In the pancreas, SGLT2i has been shown to help with primarily diabetes and hyperglycemia. Finally, SGLT2i's are known to aid in decreasing nephrotoxicity and stopping the progression of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decrease. New studies have shown that the flozin drugs have been helpful for those who were receiving kidney transplants. Despite the positive effects, there are some concerns about SGLT2i and its notable adverse effects. Flozin drugs are known to cause urinary tract infections (UTIs), dehydration, orthostatic hypotension, postural dizziness, syncope, hypotension, hyperkalemia-induced cardiac arrest, and pancreatitis. This literature review will discuss, in detail, the benefits and risks that SGTL2i have on different organ systems and implicate the role they may play in clinical practice.

Optimal Management of Heart Failure and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Clinical Challenges

Heart failure (HF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are common causes of breathlessness which frequently co-exist; one potentially exacerbating the other. Distinguishing between the two can be challenging due to their similar symptomatology and overlapping risk factors, but a timely and correct diagnosis is potentially lifesaving. Modern treatment for HF can substantially improve symptoms and prognosis for many patients and may have beneficial effects for patients with COPD. Conversely, while many inhaled treatments for COPD can improve symptoms and reduce exacerbations, there is conflicting evidence regarding the safety of some inhaled treatments for COPD in patients with HF. Here we explore the overlap between HF and COPD, examine the effect of one condition on the other, and address the challenges of managing patients with both conditions.

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.