The Impact of SGLT2 Inhibitor Dapagliflozin on Adropin Serum Levels in Men and Women with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Heart Failure

Hepatokines and their role in cardiohepatic interactions in heart failure

Heart failure is one of the leading causes of death and disease worldwide. It is a condition that affects multiple systems within the body. There is a large body of evidence supporting that the liver is a major organ involved in the pathogenesis of heart failure. Cardiac hepatopathy and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy are two conditions that are associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure. Despite the extensive proposed explanations of the mechanisms entailing heart failure, there remains a gap in the role of proteins and metabolic regulators produced by hepatocytes and their effect on the development, progression, and prognosis of heart failure, including adverse cardiac remodeling, fibrosis, cardiac cachexia, and renal dysfunction associated with heart failure. The aim of this review is to identify the major hepatokines being studied (adropin, fetuin-A, fetuin-B, FGF-21, selenoprotein P and α1-microglobulin) as modulators of metabolic homeostasis and cardiac dysfunction in heart failure. Research suggests that these factors play a role in modulating oxidative stress, fibrosis, apoptosis, inflammatory responses, immune cell activation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cellular migration. The exact role of each of these hepatokines is under on-going research and requires more investigations for future clinical use.

Measurement of serum adropin levels in chronic renal failure patients receiving routine hemodialysis treatment

The significance of adropin levels in chronic renal failure patients has not yet been established. This study's objectives were to compare serum adropin levels in hemodialysis patients with chronic renal failure and healthy patients as well as the clinical parameters corresponding with the levels. The total sample comprised of 49 hemodialysis individuals and 36 controls. We measured serum adropin concentrations using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method and analyzed various biochemical parameters including creatinine, uric acid, C-reactive protein, albumin, parathyroid hormone, and hemoglobin levels. In the patients there were statistically significant lower levels of serum adropin determined at 522.7 ± 169.4 versus 789.6 ± 259.3 ng/L, P < .01. Strong negative correlations were observed between adropin levels and both creatinine (r = -0.613, P < .001) and parathyroid hormone (r = -0.621, P < .001). Additionally, moderate positive correlations were found with albumin (r = 0.534, P < .001) and hemoglobin (r = 0.445, P < .001). There were also statistically significant differences in hemoglobin A1c of the patients and control populations with levels of 5.7 ± 1.8 versus 5.2 ± 0.5, P = .04 and C-reactive protein levels of 21.8 ± 28.9 versus 1.4 ± 2.6 mg/L, P < .01 respectively. These findings suggest that reduced adropin levels in hemodialysis patients are significantly associated with markers of renal dysfunction, inflammation, and nutritional status, indicating its potential role in the pathophysiology of chronic renal failure.

Serum adropin levels as a potential biomarker for predicting diabetic kidney disease progression

Background

To investigate the value of serum adropin in predicting chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Materials and methods

Serum adropin levels were measured in normal control and T2D patients with various stage of CKD. CKD progression was defined as ≥ 30% decline from the baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate. Logistic regression analysis was applied to assess the association between adropin levels and CKD progression.

Results

The study included 58 subjects with T2D (18 early CKD and 40 advanced CKD) and 9 subjects without diabetes (control). Subjects with T2D had significantly higher adropin levels than controls (6393.10 ± 1611.84 vs. 3470.30 ± 1284.41 pg/ml; P < 0.001). Meanwhile, T2D patients with advanced CKD had higher adropin levels than those with early CKD (6848.89 ± 1287.04 vs. 5380.25 ± 1826.44 pg/ml; P = 0.003). Among T2D patients, subjects experienced CKD progression had higher adropin levels than those without (7520.15 ± 843.21 vs. 6151.16 ± 1661.61 pg/mL, P =0.003). Thus, adropin predicts CKD progression in T2D patients with 86% sensitivity and 70% specificity at 6872.24 pg/ml cutoff value. The association with CKD progression was still significant after adjusting for age, gender and body mass index (adjusted odds ratio = 27.188, 95% confidence interval 1.415-522.527, P =0.029).

Conclusions

The above findings suggest that serum adropin could be applied as a potential biomarker for predicting CKD progression in subjects with T2D. Further research is needed to validate these results and explore the underlying mechanisms.

Role of the Unique Secreted Peptide Adropin in Various Physiological and Disease States

Adropin, a secreted peptide hormone identified in 2008, plays a significant role in regulating energy homeostasis, glucose metabolism, and lipid metabolism. Its expression is linked to dietary macronutrient intake and is influenced by metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Emerging evidence suggests that adropin might be a biomarker for various conditions, including metabolic syndrome, coronary artery disease, and hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy. In cerebrovascular diseases, adropin demonstrates protective effects by reducing blood-brain barrier permeability, brain edema, and infarct size while improving cognitive and sensorimotor functions in ischemic stroke models. The protective effects of adropin extend to preventing endothelial damage, promoting angiogenesis, and mitigating inflammation, making it a promising therapeutic target for cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. This review provides a comprehensive overview of adropin's multifaceted roles in physiological and pathological conditions, as well as our recent work demonstrating adropin's role in subarachnoid hemorrhage-mediated neural injury and delayed cerebral infarction.

Recent Advances in Understanding the Molecular Mechanisms of SGLT2 Inhibitors in Atrial Remodeling

Atrial cardiomyopathy and remodeling play pivotal roles in the development of atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF), involving complex changes in atrial structure and function. These changes facilitate the progression of AF and HF by creating a dynamic interplay between mechanical stress and electrical disturbances in the heart. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is), initially developed for the management of type 2 diabetes, have demonstrated promising cardiovascular benefits, being currently one of the cornerstone treatments in HF management. Despite recent data from randomized clinical trials indicating that SGLT2is may significantly influence atrial remodeling, their overall effectiveness in this context is still under debate. Given the emerging evidence, this review examines the molecular mechanisms through which SGLT2is exert their effects on atrial remodeling, aiming to clarify their potential benefits and limitations. By exploring these mechanisms, this review aims to provide insights into how SGLT2is can be integrated into strategies for preventing the progression of atrial remodeling and HF, as well as the development of AF.

Adropin Predicts Asymptomatic Heart Failure in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Independent of the Levels of Natriuretic Peptides

In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), asymptomatic adverse cardiac remodeling plays a pivotal role in the development of heart failure (HF). Patients with T2DM often have low or near-normal levels of natriuretic peptides, including N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), which have been inconclusive in predicting the transition from asymptomatic adverse cardiac remodeling to HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The aim of this study was to elucidate the predictive ability of adropin for HFpEF depending on the circulating levels of NT-proBNP. We prospectively enrolled 561 T2DM patients (glycated hemoglobin < 6.9%) with echocardiographic evidence of structural cardiac abnormalities and left ventricular ejection fractions >50%. All patients underwent B-mode transthoracic echocardiographic and Doppler examinations. Circulating biomarkers, i.e., NT-proBNP and adropin, were assessed at baseline. All individuals were divided into two groups according to the presence of low levels (<125 pmol/mL; n = 162) or elevated levels (≥125 pmol/mL; n = 399) of NT-proBNP. Patients with known asymptomatic adverse cardiac remodeling and elevated NT-proBNP were classified as having asymptomatic HFpEF. A multivariate logistic regression showed that low serum levels of adropin (<3.5 ng/mL), its combination with any level of NT-proBNP, and use of SGLT2 inhibitors were independent predictors of HFpEF. However, low levels of adropin significantly increased the predictive ability of NT-proBNP for asymptomatic HFpEF in patients with T2DM, even though the concentrations of NT-proBNP were low, while adropin added discriminatory value to all concentrations of NT-proBNP. In conclusion, low levels of adropin significantly increase the predictive ability of NT-proBNP for asymptomatic HFpEF in patients with T2DM.

Methods to predict heart failure in diabetes patients

INTRODUCTION

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease and powerful predictor for new-onset heart failure (HF).

AREAS COVERED

We focus on the relevant literature covering evidence of risk stratification based on imaging predictors and circulating biomarkers to optimize approaches to preventing HF in DM patients.

EXPERT OPINION

Multiple diagnostic algorithms based on echocardiographic parameters of cardiac remodeling including global longitudinal strain/strain rate are likely to be promising approach to justify individuals at higher risk of incident HF. Signature of cardiometabolic status may justify HF risk among T2DM individuals with low levels of natriuretic peptides, which preserve their significance in HF with clinical presentation. However, diagnostic and predictive values of conventional guideline-directed biomarker HF strategy may be non-optimal in patients with obesity and T2DM. Alternative biomarkers affecting cardiac fibrosis, inflammation, myopathy, and adipose tissue dysfunction are plausible tools for improving accuracy natriuretic peptides among T2DM patients at higher HF risk. In summary, risk identification and management of the patients with T2DM with established HF require conventional biomarkers monitoring, while the role of alternative biomarker approach among patients with multiple CV and metabolic risk factors appears to be plausible tool for improving clinical outcomes.

Plausible prediction of renoprotective effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors in patients with chronic kidney diseases

This narrative review was conducted due to uncertainty in predicting the beneficial impact of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on a dip of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), regardless of albuminuria presence, with the aim of elucidating plausible predictors of kidney function outcome among patients treated with SGLT2 inhibitors. The PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched in May 2023 for relevant articles published in English between 2013 and 2023. A total of 25 full-length scientific publications (comprising 11 large randomized trials and two cohort studies) were included for analysis. The majority of studies demonstrated a limited value of conventional biomarkers, such as initial decline in eGFR, a trajectory of eGFR during SGLT2 inhibitor administration, and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), in prediction of renoprotection. Included studies showed that the tendency to decreased eGFR, UACR, hemoglobin, glycosylated hemoglobin, lipid profile, serum uric acid, inflammatory biomarkers and natriuretic peptides did not predict clinical outcomes in groups without heart failure (HF) treated with SGLT2 inhibitors. In HF groups, biomarkers of inflammation, kidney injury, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, ketogenesis, energy metabolism, and adipose tissue dysfunction (adropin and irisin), were detected with the aim of finding potential biomarkers. Biomarkers of adipose tissue dysfunction and inflammation may be promising for predicting SGLT2 inhibitor benefit compared with N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and energy metabolism indicators.

The changes of cardiac energy metabolism with sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitor therapy

Background/aims

To investigate the specific effects of s odium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) on cardiac energy metabolism.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted in eight databases. The retrieved studies were screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and relevant information was extracted according to the purpose of the study. Two researchers independently screened the studies, extracted information, and assessed article quality.

Results

The results of the 34 included studies (including 10 clinical and 24 animal studies) showed that SGLT2i inhibited cardiac glucose uptake and glycolysis, but promoted fatty acid (FA) metabolism in most disease states. SGLT2i upregulated ketone metabolism, improved the structure and functions of myocardial mitochondria, alleviated oxidative stress of cardiomyocytes in all literatures. SGLT2i increased cardiac glucose oxidation in diabetes mellitus (DM) and cardiac FA metabolism in heart failure (HF). However, the regulatory effects of SGLT2i on cardiac FA metabolism in DM and cardiac glucose oxidation in HF varied with disease types, stages, and intervention duration of SGLT2i.

Conclusion

SGLT2i improved the efficiency of cardiac energy production by regulating FA, glucose and ketone metabolism, improving mitochondria structure and functions, and decreasing oxidative stress of cardiomyocytes under pathological conditions. Thus, SGLT2i is deemed to exert a benign regulatory effect on cardiac metabolic disorders in various diseases.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/, PROSPERO (CRD42023484295).

Treatment of type 2 diabetes patients with heart conditions

INTRODUCTION

While type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increases the risk of cardiac complications, diabetes treatment choices may increase or decrease the rates of cardiac events. In the present review, we comprehensively discussed the treatment options of diabetic subjects with cardiac conditions.

AREAS COVERED

Current evidence related to diabetes treatment in cardiac situations has been reviewed. Clinical trials and meta-analyses on cardiac safety of anti-diabetic medicines are discussed. Treatment choices with proven benefits and those at least without associated increased cardiac risk were drawn from clinical trials; meta-analyses and cardiac safety studies in the recent medical literature were the basis of the suggestions in the present review.

EXPERT OPINION

We can suggest that hypoglycemia and extreme hyperglycemia should be avoided in acute ischemic heart conditions. Certain diabetic treatment options, especially sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, can reduce overall cardiovascular mortality and hospitalization due to heart failure. Therefore, we suggest that physicians should choose SGLT2 inhibitors as the first-line treatment option in diabetic patients with heart failure or those who have a high risk of heart failure development. T2DM increases the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), and metformin and pioglitazone seem to reduce the risk of AF in diabetic population.

Adropin Predicts Chronic Kidney Disease in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

Adropin is a multifunctional secreted protein, which is involved in the metabolic modulation of the heart-brain-kidney axis in heart failure (HF). The aim of the study was to detect the plausible predictive value of serum levels of adropin for chronic kidney disease (CKD) grades 1-3 in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with chronic HF. We enrolled 417 T2DM individuals with chronic HF and subdivided them into two groups depending on the presence of CKD. The control group was composed of 25 healthy individuals and 30 T2DM patients without HF and CKD. All eligible patients underwent an ultrasound examination. Adropin was detected by ELISA in blood samples at the study baseline. We found that adropin levels in T2DM patients without HF and CKD were significantly lower than in healthy volunteers, but they were higher than in T2DM patients with known HF. The optimal cut-off point for adropin levels was 2.3 ng/mL (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.86; 95% CI = 0.78-0.95; sensitivity = 81.3%, specificity = 77.4%). The multivariate logistic regression adjusted for albuminuria/proteinuria showed that serum levels of adropin <2.30 ng/mL (OR = 1.55; p = 0.001) independently predicted CKD. Conclusions: Low levels of adropin in T2DM patients with chronic CH seem to be an independent predictor of CKD at stages 1-3.

Cardiac Hepatopathy: New Perspectives on Old Problems through a Prism of Endogenous Metabolic Regulations by Hepatokines

Cardiac hepatopathy refers to acute or chronic liver damage caused by cardiac dysfunction in the absence of any other possible causative reasons of liver injury. There is a large number of evidence of the fact that cardiac hepatopathy is associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with acute or actually decompensated heart failure (HF). However, the currently dominated pathophysiological background does not explain a role of metabolic regulative proteins secreted by hepatocytes in progression of HF, including adverse cardiac remodeling, kidney injury, skeletal muscle dysfunction, osteopenia, sarcopenia and cardiac cachexia. The aim of this narrative review was to accumulate knowledge of hepatokines (adropin; fetuin-A, selenoprotein P, fibroblast growth factor-21, and alpha-1-microglobulin) as adaptive regulators of metabolic homeostasis in patients with HF. It is suggested that hepatokines play a crucial, causative role in inter-organ interactions and mediate tissue protective effects counteracting oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis and necrosis. The discriminative potencies of hepatokines for HF and damage of target organs in patients with known HF is under on-going scientific discussion and requires more investigations in the future.