SGLT2 Inhibitors in Chronic Kidney Disease: From Mechanisms to Clinical Practice

The Effects of SGLT2 Inhibitors on Lipid Profile and Kidney Function in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Regardless of Diabetes and Hypertension Status

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive, irreversible impairment of kidney function due to various etiologies. Numerous studies have shown that sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) slow the progression of CKD, due to their pleiotropic effects. Therefore, there has been an increase in interest in their effects not only on kidney function but also on other parameters in patients with CKD. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of SGLT2i on serum lipid values and kidney function in patients with CKD undergoing SGLT2i treatment.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective data analysis of 75 patients with CKD on SGLT2i treatment. We compared the values of biochemical parameters, renal function outcomes, and blood pressure at two time points: baseline and 24 months after.

RESULTS

Total cholesterol (Chol) significantly decreased in all patients, while triglyceride (Tg) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) levels also decreased in all patients. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) levels increased, but this increase was not significant. Creatinine clearance (Ccr) significantly decreased, and serum urea (Sur) significantly increased in all patients. The proteinuria (Prt) levels did not change significantly. The results showed that the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) significantly decreased in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that the use of SGLT2i reduced total Chol in all patients with CKD during the 24-month follow-up, regardless of diabetes mellitus (DM) status. No significant differences were observed for the Tg, LDLc, and HDLc values.

Assessment of Gliflozins prescribing pattern in a United Arab Emirates tertiary-level care hospital

Background

Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, known as Gliflozins, have demonstrated efficacy in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and providing cardiovascular and renal benefits. Given the prevalence of diabetes, heart failure (HF), and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the UAE, there is a need to evaluate the prescribing patterns of Gliflozins in these population. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between Gliflozins use for patients who were admitted to the hospital at least once from 2021 to 2023 and different clinical factors.

Methods

A retrospective medication review was conducted from 2021 to 2023 at tertiary-level care hospital in Ajman, UAE. Data were collected on prescribed Gliflozins, patient demographic information, BMI, HbA1c levels, and comorbidities (HF, CKD). Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression were used to explore associations between Gliflozin use and clinical factors.

Results

Out of the 255 patients' data collected, Gliflozin use was significantly associated with obesity (p = 0.002), higher HbA1c levels (p < 0.001), and comorbidities, particularly HF (61.5% of HF patients) and CKD. The use of Gliflozins increased each year. Patients with HF were 8.03 times more likely to use Gliflozins, and those with diabetes were 6.86 times more likely, underscoring the multidimensional role of these medications.

Conclusion

Gliflozin prescribing patterns in the UAE reflect global trends, with increased use among patients with diabetes, HF, and CKD. Further research is recommended to explore factors influencing prescription practices and optimize Gliflozin therapy if gliflozins use considerably increase in new diagnosis of diabetes and CKD even in mild conditions.

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors: a pleiotropic drug in humans with promising results in cats

Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disease in humans and cats. Cats share several features of human type-2 diabetes and can be considered an animal model for this disease. In the last decade, sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have been used successfully as a class of hypoglycemic drug that inhibits the reabsorption of glucose from the renal proximal tubules, consequently managing hyperglycemia through glycosuria. Furthermore, SGLT2i have been shown to have cardiac, renal, and other protective effects in diabetic humans acting as a pleiotropic drug. Currently, at least six SGLT2i are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in humans with type-2 diabetes, and recently, two drugs were approved for use in diabetic cats. This narrative review focuses on the use of SGLT2i to treat diabetes mellitus in humans and cats. We summarize the human data that support the use of SGLT2i in controlling type-2 diabetes and protecting against cardiovascular and renal damage. We also review the available literature regarding other benefits of these drugs in humans as well as the effects of SGLT2i in cats. Adverse effects related to the use of these hypoglycemic drugs are also discussed.

Repurposing the familiar: Future treatment options against chronic kidney disease

OBJECTIVES

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious health issue with rising morbidity and mortality rates. Despite advances in understanding its pathophysiology, effective therapeutic options are limited, necessitating innovative treatment approaches. Also, current frontline treatments that are available against CKD are not uniformly effective and often come with significant side effects. Therefore, identifying new therapeutic targets or improving existing treatments for CKD is crucial. Drug repurposing is a promising strategy in the drug discovery process that involves screening existing approved drugs for new therapeutic applications.

KEY FINDINGS

This review discusses the pharmacological mechanisms and clinical evidence that support the efficacy of these repurposed drugs. Various drugs classes such as inodilators, endothelin-1 type A (ET-1A) receptor antagonists, bisphosphonates, mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonists, DNA demethylating agents, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) activators, P2X7 inhibitors, autophagy modulators, hypoxia-inducible factor-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors (HIF-PHI) are discussed that could remarkably contribute against CKD.

SUMMARY

The review critically examines the potential for repurposing well-established drugs to slow the progression of CKD and enhance patient outcomes. This review emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in advancing the field of drug repurposing, ultimately paving the way for innovative and effective therapies for patients suffering from CKD.

Efficacy of Chronic Use of Sodium-Glucose Co-transporter 2 Inhibitors on the Prevention of Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Following Coronary Procedures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is a common complication of iodinated contrast administration during coronary procedures, especially in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Besides periprocedural hydration and statins, there are no other pharmacological strategies with consistent results to prevent CI-AKI up to date. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of chronic use of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on the prevention of CI-AKI in patients with type 2 DM following coronary procedures.

METHODS

A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Embase, and Cochrane Library was performed. Relevant observational studies and randomized controlled studies (RCTs) were identified. Results were pooled using a random-effect model meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate the potential benefit of SGLT2 inhibitors on the prevention of CI-AKI in patients undergoing urgent or elective coronary angiography/percutaneous coronary interventions (CAG/PCI).

RESULTS

Seven observational studies and one randomized controlled trial with 2740 patients were included. Chronic treatment (minimum duration 2 weeks to 6 months) with an SGLT2 inhibitor was associated with a significantly reduced risk of CI-AKI in diabetic patients undergoing coronary procedures compared with the control group [risk ratio (RR) 0.48; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.39-0.59; p < 0.001). Results of subsequent subgroup analysis showed a significant reduction in the incidence of CI-AKI in diabetic patients undergoing both elective CAG/PCI (RR 0.49; 95% CI 0.35-0.68; p<0.001) and urgent CAG/PCI (RR 0.48; 95% Cl 0.35-0.66; p < 0.001).

DISCUSSION

Chronic use of SGLT2 inhibitors may be preventative against the incidence of CI-AKI in patients with type 2 DM undergoing coronary interventions. Further RCTs are needed to confirm our findings.

The peri-operative implications of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors: a narrative review

INTRODUCTION

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors are a novel class of antihyperglycaemic drugs used in the management of type 2 diabetes, that improve glycaemic control, cardiovascular outcomes and promote weight loss. They are also approved for the treatment of heart failure and chronic kidney disease in patients with or without diabetes. This narrative review discusses the peri-operative effects and implications of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors and gives an overview of current evidence and existing peri-operative guidelines.

METHODS

We conducted a literature review to identify peer-reviewed English language articles published since 2000, with further articles identified by reviewing the references of key papers.

RESULTS

Peri-operative sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor use carries a risk of euglycaemic ketoacidosis. Although clinically significant diabetic ketoacidosis remains a rare event, sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors inhibitor-associated diabetic ketoacidosis has been observed across almost all surgical specialities. Ketoacidosis may present with any blood glucose level. Existing guidelines are inconsistent and may be a source of clinical confusion.

DISCUSSION

Based on the half-life of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, we recommend withholding treatment for 72 h before elective surgery (5 half-lives), with additional multidisciplinary input for specific procedures with dietary alterations and in patients with poorly controlled diabetes of cardiac/renal disease. In the event of emergency surgery or any surgery within 72 h of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor administration, we recommend pre-, intra- and postoperative blood ketone monitoring (6 hourly for 24 h post-surgery and until full oral diet is resumed). Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor treatment should only be resumed after resumption of full oral diet in the absence of ketosis.

Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Cardio-Renoprotective Pharmacological Interventions in Chronic Kidney Disease: An Umbrella Review of Network Meta-Analyses and a Multicriteria Decision Analysis

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1a), and non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (ns-MRA) are promising treatments for chronic kidney disease. This umbrella review of network meta-analyses evaluated their effects on cardiovascular outcomes, kidney disease progression, and adverse events, using the TOPSIS method to identify the optimal intervention based on P-scores. A total of 19 network meta-analyses and 44 randomized controlled trials involving 86,150 chronic kidney disease patients were included. Compared to placebo, SGLT2i were associated with reduced risks of cardiovascular events [Hazard ratio (HR): 0.776, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.727-0.998], kidney disease progression (HR: 0.679, 95% CI: 0.629-0.733), acute kidney injury (HR: 0.873, 95% CI: 0.773-0.907), and serious adverse events (HR: 0.881, 95% CI: 0.847-0.916). GLP1a and ns-MRA were also associated with significant reductions in cardiovascular and kidney-specific composite outcomes. Indirect evidence showed that SGLT2i demonstrated a lower risk of kidney disease progression compared to GLP1a (HR: 0.826, 95% CI: 0.716-0.952) and ns-MRA (HR: 0.818, 95% CI: 0.673-0.995), representing the best intervention across all endpoints. In conclusion, while SGLT2i, GLP1a, and ns-MRA all reduce cardiovascular and kidney disease risks in chronic kidney disease, SGLT2i appears to provide the most favorable balance of efficacy and safety.

Favorable changes in the eGFR slope after dapagliflozin treatment and its association with the initial dip

BACKGROUND

Renoprotective effects of sodium glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, including dapagliflozin, were observed in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The suspected underlying mechanism is a correction of hyperfiltration, observed as an "initial dip". Whether SGLT2 inhibitors can attenuate the rate of decline in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in clinical settings, even when considering the pre-treatment decline rate, is unknown. Although several RCTs identified an association between the initial dip and long-term renal prognoses, a conclusion has not been reached.

METHODS

We collected the eGFR data of patients for whom dapagliflozin was initiated in our hospital and then calculated their eGFR slopes before and after the start of the treatment. We investigated the changes in the eGFR slopes (ΔeGFR slope) and the association between the ΔeGFR slope and the initial dip. Risks for rapid eGFR decliners (eGFR slope < - 3 mL/min/1.73 m2/year) were also examined.

RESULTS

The eGFR slope was significantly milder after dapagliflozin treatment (p < 0.01). A deeper initial dip was associated with a milder rate of eGFR decline (adjusted beta: - 0.29, p < 0.001). Dapagliflozin treatment reduced the proportion of rapid eGFR decliners from 52.9 to 14.7%, and a smaller initial dip was identified as a significant risk for post-treatment rapid eGFR decline (adjusted odds ratio: 1.73, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to before the administration of dapagliflozin, the rate of eGFR decline was significantly milder after its administration. The initial dip was significantly associated with long-term renoprotective effects and may be a useful predictor of treatment response.

Metabolic Chaos in Kidney Disease: Unraveling Energy Dysregulation

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) share a fundamental disruption: metabolic dysfunction.

METHODS

A literature review was performed to determine the metabolic changes that occur in AKI and CKD as well as potential therapeutic targets related to these changes.

RESULTS

In AKI, increased energy demand in proximal tubular epithelial cells drives a shift from fatty acid oxidation (FAO) to glycolysis. Although this shift offers short-term support, it also heightens cellular vulnerability to further injury. As AKI progresses to CKD, metabolic disruption intensifies, with both FAO and glycolysis becoming downregulated, exacerbating cellular damage and fibrosis. These metabolic alterations are governed by shifts in gene expression and protein signaling pathways, which can now be precisely analyzed through advanced omics and histological methods.

CONCLUSIONS

This review examines these metabolic disturbances and their roles in disease progression, highlighting therapeutic interventions that may restore metabolic balance and enhance kidney function. Many metabolic changes that occur in AKI and CKD can be utilized as therapeutic targets, indicating a need for future studies related to the clinical utility of these therapeutics.

SGLT2 inhibitors across the spectrum of chronic kidney disease: a narrative review

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing public health concern, affecting at least 1 in 7 adults in the United States, and accounting for a large proportion of healthcare spending. The risk of mortality rises steeply with declining kidney function, mostly due to cardiovascular-related deaths. Since CKD is asymptomatic in the early stages, diagnosis is sometimes delayed. However, early diagnosis is important for timely initiation of interventions to reduce disease progression, and to avoid the need for hospitalizations, dialysis, or kidney transplantation. This review focuses on the impact of sodium glucose transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on CKD based on mechanistic and clinical trial evidence. These agents affect the kidneys through changes in sodium transport and metabolic factors that interfere with the primary pathological mechanisms shared by most kidney diseases. Following clinical trials of SGLT2i in patients with type 2 diabetes which demonstrated reductions in the risk of major adverse CV events, death, and hospitalizations for heart failure (HHF), and in patients with heart failure (HF) with and without diabetes which showed reductions in death and HHF, recent trials in patients with CKD have provided overwhelming support for the use of SGLT2i as foundational therapy across a broad spectrum of patients with CKD, regardless of diabetes status, primary kidney disease (except polycystic kidney disease), or kidney function. While clinical trials in CKD generally recruit patients with a high risk of events, patients at lower risk could also benefit from SGLT2i in terms of reduction of CKD progression, HF, and death, as well as other beneficial effects including reductions in blood sugar, body weight, and blood pressure.

Applications of SGLT2 inhibitors beyond glycaemic control

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors were initially developed for their glucose-lowering effects and have shown a modest glycaemic benefit in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In the past decade, a series of large, robust clinical trials of these therapies have demonstrated striking beneficial effects for various care goals, transforming the chronic disease therapeutic landscape. Cardiovascular safety studies in people with T2DM demonstrated that SGLT2 inhibitors reduce cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure. Subsequent trials in participants with heart failure with reduced or preserved left ventricular ejection fraction demonstrated that SGLT2 inhibitors have beneficial effects on heart failure outcomes. In dedicated kidney outcome studies, SGLT2 inhibitors reduced the incidence of kidney failure among participants with or without diabetes. Post hoc analyses have suggested a range of other benefits of these drugs in conditions as diverse as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, kidney stone prevention and anaemia. SGLT2 inhibitors have a generally favourable adverse effect profile, although patient selection and medication counselling remain important. Concerted efforts are needed to better integrate these agents into routine care and support long-term medication adherence to close the gap between clinical trial outcomes and those achieved in the real world.

EValuating the Effect of periopeRaTIve empaGliflOzin on cardiac surgery associated acute kidney injury: rationale and design of the VERTIGO study

Background

Cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) is a serious complication in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation (ECC) that increases postoperative complications and mortality. CSA-AKI develops due to a combination of patient- and surgery-related risk factors that enhance renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) such as empagliflozin reduce renal glucose reabsorption, improving tubulo-glomerular feedback, reducing inflammation and decreasing intraglomerular pressure. Preclinical studies have observed that SGLT2i may provide significant protection against renal ischemia-reperfusion injury due to their effects on inadequate mitochondrial function, reactive oxygen species activity or renal peritubular capillary congestion, all hallmarks of CSA-AKI. The VERTIGO (EValuating the Effect of periopeRaTIve empaGliflOzin) trial is a Phase 3, investigator-initiated, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study that aims to explore whether empagliflozin can reduce the incidence of adverse renal outcomes in cardiac surgery patients.

Methods

The VERTIGO study (EudraCT: 2021-004938-11) will enroll 608 patients that require elective cardiac surgery with ECC. Patients will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either empagliflozin 10 mg orally daily or placebo. Study treatment will start 5 days before surgery and will continue during the first 7 days postoperatively. All participants will receive standard care according to local practice guidelines. The primary endpoint of the study will be the proportion of patients that develop major adverse kidney events during the first 90 days after surgery, defined as ≥25% renal function decline, renal replacement therapy initiation or death. Secondary, tertiary and safety endpoints will include rates of AKI during index hospitalization, postoperative complications and observed adverse events.

Conclusions

The VERTIGO trial will describe the efficacy and safety of empagliflozin in preventing CSA-AKI. Patient recruitment is expected to start in May 2024.

An Updated Review of the Management of Chronic Heart Failure in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common in patients with heart failure (HF) and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. There has been remarkable progress in the treatment of HF over recent years with the establishment of guideline-directed medical therapies including: (1) Beta-blockers, (2) renal angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibition (i.e., angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor [ACEi], aldosterone receptor blocker [ARB] or angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor [ARNI]); (3) mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA), and (4) sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i). However, there are challenges to the implementation of these medications in patients with concomitant CKD due to increased vulnerability to common side-effects (including worsening renal function, hyperkalaemia, hypotension), and most of the pivotal trials which provide evidence of the efficacy of these medications excluded patients with severe CKD. Patients with CKD and HF often have regular healthcare encounters with multiple professionals and can receive conflicting guidance regarding their medication. Thus, despite being at higher risk of adverse cardiovascular events, patients who have both HF and CKD are more likely to be under-optimised on evidence-based therapies. This review is an updated summary of the evidence available for the management of HF (including reduced, mildly reduced and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction) in patients with various stages of CKD. The review covers the evidence for recommended medications, devices such as implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), intravenous (IV) iron, and discusses how frailty affects the management of these patients. It also considers emerging evidence for the prevention of HF in the cohort of patients with CKD. It synthesises the available evidence regarding when to temporarily stop, continue or rechallenge medications in this cohort. Chronic HF in context of CKD remains a challenging scenario for clinicians to manage, which is usually complicated by frailty, multimorbidity and polypharmacy. Treatment should be tailored to a patients individual needs and management in specialised cardio-renal clinics with a multi-disciplinary team approach has been recommended. This review offers a concise summary on this expansive topic.

Lessons learned from early-stage clinical trials for diabetic nephropathy

INTRODUCTION

The evolution of treatment for diabetic nephropathy illustrates how basic biochemistry and physiology have led to new agents such as SGLT2 inhibitors and mineralocorticoid blockers. Conversely, clinical studies performed with these agents have suggested new concepts for investigational drug development. We reviewed currently available treatments for diabetic nephropathy and then analyzed early clinical trials of new agents to assess the potential for future treatment modalities.

AREAS COVERED

We searched ClinicalTrials.gov for new agents under study for diabetic nephropathy in the past decade. Once we have identified investigation trials of new agents, we then used search engines and Pubmed.gov to find publications providing insight on these drugs. Current treatments have shown benefit in both cardiac and renal disease. In our review, we found 51 trials and 43 pharmaceuticals in a number of drug classes: mineralocorticoid blockers, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrosis, nitric oxide stimulatory, and podocyte protection, and endothelin inhibitors.

EXPERT OPINION

It is difficult to predict which early phase treatments will advance to confirmatory clinical trials. Current agents are thought to improve hemodynamic function. However, the coincident benefit of both myocardial function and the glomerulus argues for primary effects at the subcellular level, and we follow the evolution of agents which modify fundamental cellular processes.

SGLT2 inhibitors: Beyond glycemic control

Multiple randomized controlled trials have extensively examined the therapeutic effectiveness of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, ushering in a transformative approach to treating individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Notably, emerging reports have drawn attention to the potential positive impacts of SGLT2 inhibitors in nondiabetic patients. In an effort to delve into this phenomenon, a comprehensive systematic literature review spanning PubMed (NLM), Medline (Ovid), and Cochrane Library, covering publications from 2000 to 2024 was undertaken. This systematic review encompassed twenty-six randomized control trials (RCTs) involving 35,317 participants. The findings unveiled a multifaceted role for SGLT2 inhibitors, showcasing their ability to enhance metabolic control and yield cardioprotective effects through a reduction in cardiovascular death (CVD) and hospitalization related to heart failure (HF). Additionally, a renalprotective effect was observed, evidenced by a slowdown in chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and a decrease in albuminuria. Importantly, these benefits were coupled with an acceptable safety profile. The literature also points to various biological plausibility and underlying mechanistic pathways, offering insights into the association between SGLT2 inhibitors and these positive outcomes in nondiabetic individuals. Current research trends indicate a continual exploration of additional role for SGLT2 inhibitors in. Nevertheless, further research is imperative to fully elucidate the mechanisms and long-term outcomes associated with the nondiabetic use of SGLT2 inhibitors.

Effect of SGLT2 inhibition on salt-induced hypertension in female Dahl SS rats

Sodium-glucose co-transporters (SGLTs) in the kidneys play a pivotal role in glucose reabsorption. Several clinical and population-based studies revealed the beneficial effects of SGLT2 inhibition on hypertension. Recent work from our lab provided significant new insight into the role of SGLT2 inhibition in a non-diabetic model of salt-sensitive hypertension, Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) rats. Dapagliflozin (Dapa) blunted the development of salt-induced hypertension by causing glucosuria and natriuresis without changes in the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System. However, our initial study used male SS rats only, and the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on hypertension in females has not been studied. Therefore, the goal of this study was to determine whether SGLT2 inhibition alters blood pressure and kidney function in female Dahl SS rats. The result showed that administration of Dapa for 3 weeks prevented the progression of salt-induced hypertension in female rats, similar to its effects in male SS rats. Diuresis and glucose excretion were significantly increased in Dapa-treated rats. SGLT2 inhibition also significantly attenuated kidney but not heart fibrosis. Despite significant effects on blood pressure, Dapa treatment caused minor changes to electrolyte balance and no effects on kidney and heart weights were observed. Our data suggest that SGLT2 inhibition in a non-diabetic model of salt-sensitive hypertension blunts the development of salt-induced hypertension independent of sex.

Sestrin2 in diabetes and diabetic complications

Diabetes is a global health problem which is accompanied with multi-systemic complications. It is of great significance to elucidate the pathogenesis and to identify novel therapies of diabetes and diabetic complications. Sestrin2, a stress-inducible protein, is primarily involved in cellular responses to various stresses. It plays critical roles in regulating a series of cellular events, such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial function and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Researches investigating the correlations between Sestrin2, diabetes and diabetic complications are increasing in recent years. This review incorporates recent findings, demonstrates the diverse functions and regulating mechanisms of Sestrin2, and discusses the potential roles of Sestrin2 in the pathogenesis of diabetes and diabetic complications, hoping to highlight a promising therapeutic direction.

Intrarenal Mechanisms of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors on Tubuloglomerular Feedback and Natriuresis

When sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors were first introduced a decade ago, no one expected them to have substantial effects beyond their known glucose-lowering effects, until the emergence of evidence of their robust renal and cardiovascular benefits showing that they could attenuate progression of kidney disease, irrespective of diabetes, as well as prevent the development of acute kidney injury. Still, the precise and elaborate mechanisms underlying the major organ protection of SGLT2 inhibitors remain unclear. SGLT2 inhibitors inhibit the reabsorption of sodium and glucose in the proximal tubule of the kidney and then recovers tubuloglomerular feedback, whereby SGLT2 inhibitors reduce glomerular hyperfiltration. This simple demonstration of their beneficial effects has perplexed experts in seeking more plausible and as yet undisclosed explanations for the whole effects of SGLT2 inhibitors, including metabolism reprogramming and the modulation of hypoxia, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Given that the renal benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with kidney disease but without diabetes were comparable to those seen in patients with diabetes, it may be reasonable to keep the emphasis on their hemodynamic actions. In this context, the aim of the present review is to provide a comprehensive overview of renal hemodynamics in individuals with diabetes who are treated with SGLT2 inhibitors, with a focus on natriuresis associated with the regulation of tubuloglomerular feedback and potential aquaresis. Throughout the discussion of alterations in renal sodium and water transports, particular attention will be given to the potential enhancement of adenosine and its receptors following SGLT2 inhibition.

Triglycerides and Renal Outcomes According to Albuminuria and in Consideration of Other Metabolic Syndrome Components in Diabetic US Veterans

INTRODUCTION

Hypertriglyceridemia, a component of the metabolic syndrome, is a known independent predictor of albuminuria and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the general population. Previous studies have shown that the relationship of triglycerides (TGs) with outcomes changes across stages of CKD. Our objective was to examine the association of TG independent of other metabolic syndrome components with renal outcomes in diabetic patients with or without CKD.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included diabetic US veteran patients with valid data on TGs, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and albuminuria (urinary albumin/creatinine ratio) between fiscal years 2004 and 2006. Using Cox models adjusted for clinical characteristics and laboratory markers, we evaluated the relationship of TG with incident albuminuria (stratified by eGFR category) and based on eGFR (stratified by baseline albuminuria categories). To evaluate the relationship of TG with time to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), we stratified models by baseline CKD stage (eGFR category) and baseline albuminuria stage ascertained at time of TG measurement.

RESULTS

In a cohort of 138,675 diabetic veterans, the mean ± SD age was 65 ± 11 years old and included 3% females and 14% African Americans. The cohort also included 28% of patients with non-dialysis-dependent CKD (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2), as well as 28% of patients with albuminuria (≥30 mg/g). The median (IQR) of serum TG was 148 (100, 222) mg/dL. We observed a slight positive linear association between TG and incident CKD after adjustment for Case-Mix and Laboratory variables among non-albuminuric and microalbuminuric patients. The relationship of high TG trended towards a higher risk of ESRD in CKD 3A non-albuminuric patients and in CKD 3A and 4/5 patients with microalbuminuria.

CONCLUSION

In a large cohort, we have shown that elevated TGs are associated with all kidney outcomes tested independently of other metabolic syndrome components in diabetic patients with normal eGFR and normal albumin excretion rate, but the association is weaker in some groups of diabetic patients with preexisting renal complications.

Mitochondrial Contribution to Inflammation in Diabetic Kidney Disease

Diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease worldwide. Despite the burden, the factors contributing to the development and progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remain to be fully elucidated. In recent years, increasing evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction is a pathological mediator in DKD as the kidney is a highly metabolic organ rich in mitochondria. Furthermore, low grade chronic inflammation also contributes to the progression of DKD, and several inflammatory biomarkers have been reported as prognostic markers to risk-stratify patients for disease progression and all-cause mortality. Interestingly, the term "sterile inflammation" appears to be used in the context of DKD describing the development of intracellular inflammation in the absence of bacterial or viral pathogens. Therefore, a link between mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation in DKD exists and is a hot topic in both basic research and clinical investigations. This review summarizes how mitochondria contribute to sterile inflammation in renal cells in DKD.