Different Effects of Empagliflozin on Markers of Mineral-Bone Metabolism in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients with Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease

Is the Impact of Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors on Bone Metabolism and Fracture Incidence a Class or Drug Effect? A Narrative Review

Background/Objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has a growing prevalence, even in developed countries. Because of the increase in life expectancy, the number of older people with T2DM is also increasing. The management and handling of these patients is challenging due to its co-morbidities. Aim: In the present study, we reviewed the literature in order to investigate the impact of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2 inhibitors) on bone metabolism and fracture incidence. Methods: We searched the literature using the databases of PubMed, CENTRAL and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to December 2024. Results: There is a controversial position in the literature concerning the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors when administered in T2DM, with respect to bone metabolism and bone fracture incidence. Multiple studies suggest the SGLT2 inhibitors have a disadvantageous effect on bone metabolism and fracture incidence, while several others suggest a beneficial effect. Conclusions: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus are at high risk of alterations in their bone metabolism. SGLT2 inhibitors are a novel class with pleiotropic effects in many organs, such as the kidneys and heart, although their effect on bone metabolism and fracture incidence is still unclear. Until we have more clinical data, all caregivers (medical and nursing staff) should be aware of possible bone fractures in patients receiving this class of agents.

Risk factors for developing osteoporosis in diabetic kidney disease and its correlation with calcium-phosphorus metabolism, FGF23, and Klotho

BACKGROUND

The progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) affects the patient's kidney glomeruli and tubules, whose normal functioning is essential for maintaining normal calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) metabolism in the body. The risk of developing osteoporosis (OP) in patients with DKD increases with the aggravation of the disease, including a higher risk of fractures, which not only affects the quality of life of patients but also increases the risk of death.

AIM

To analyze the risk factors for the development of OP in patients with DKD and their correlation with Ca-P metabolic indices, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), and Klotho.

METHODS

One hundred and fifty-eight patients with DKD who were admitted into the Wuhu Second People's Hospital from September 2019 to May 2021 were selected and divided into an OP group (n = 103) and a normal bone mass group (n = 55) according to their X-ray bone densitometry results. Baseline data and differences in Ca-P biochemical indices, FGF23, and Klotho were compared. The correlation of Ca-P metabolic indices with FGF23 and Klotho was discussed, and the related factors affecting OP in patients with DKD were examined by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The OP group had a higher proportion of females, an older age, and a longer diabetes mellitus duration than the normal group (all P < 0.05). Patients in the OP group exhibited significantly higher levels of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), blood P, Ca-P product (Ca × P), fractional excretion of phosphate (FeP), and FGF23, as well as lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, blood Ca, 24-hour urinary phosphate excretion (24-hour UPE), and Klotho levels (all P < 0.05). In the OP group, 25-(OH)-D3, blood Ca, and 24-hour UPE were negatively correlated with FGF23 and positively correlated with Klotho. In contrast, iPTH, blood Ca, Ca × P, and FeP exhibited a positive correlation with FGF23 and an inverse association with Klotho (all P < 0.05). Moreover, 25-(OH)-D3, iPTH, blood Ca, FePO4, FGF23, Klotho, age, and female gender were key factors that affected the lumbar and left femoral neck bone mineral density.

CONCLUSION

The Ca-P metabolism metabolic indexes, FGF23, and Klotho in patients with DKD are closely related to the occurrence and development of OP.

Short-term effects of dapagliflozin on biomarkers of bone and mineral metabolism in patients with diabetic kidney disease: A prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

There is still a lack of information regarding the impact of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on bone and mineral metabolism in patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of SGLT2i in a cohort of patients suffering from diabetic kidney disease (DKD).

METHODS

In this prospective observational study, patients with type 2 diabetes and biopsy-proven diabetic nephropathy or presumptive DKD with eGFR levels ≥20 ml/min/1.73m2 and 25-OH vitamin D levels ≥20 ng/dl were included. 41 used SGLT2i (study group) and 39 continued their current treatment regimens (control group). Serum FGF-23, sclerostin, osteoprotegerin (OPG), and hydroxyproline levels were measured at baseline, 1 month and 3 months after treatment.

RESULTS

Mean age of all patients was 67±9.3 years, and 48 (60%) were female. All patients in the study group used dapagliflozin. Taking into account the renal functions at the commencement of the study, the eGFR values for the study group and the control group were 51.2±15.6 and 44.6±16.9ml/min/1.73m2, respectively (p=0.01). After three months, these values were observed to be 47.4±16.7 and 44.3±18.8 ml/min/1.73m2 (p=0.43), respectively. At baseline, OPG levels were higher in the study group (p=0.025) but there were no differences between the groups in terms of FGF-23 and sclerostin levels (p=0.670 and p=0.467, respectively). Levels of OPG, FGF-23, and sclerostin significantly decreased throughout 3 months of treatment with dapagliflozin (p<0.001 for all). Hydroxyproline levels also declined but did not reach to statistical significance (p=0.075). Multiple linear regression models revealed that treatment with SGLT2i was associated with the change in levels of sclerostin (β=0.303, p=0.011) and OPG (β=0.210, p=0.010), but not with FGF-23 (β=0.089, p=0.150).

CONCLUSIONS

FGF-23, sclerostin and OPG levels significantly declined after treatment with dapagliflozin for 3 months.

SGLT2 inhibitors in peritoneal dialysis: a promising frontier toward improved patient outcomes

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) stands as an important modality among kidney replacement therapies for end-stage kidney disease, offering patients remarkable flexibility and autonomy. Despite its widespread use, challenges such as glucose-related complications, peritoneal membrane fibrosis, declining renal function, and cardiovascular risks persist, necessitating innovative therapeutic approaches. Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, originally developed for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus, have recently shown promise as add-on therapy for patients with diabetic and non-diabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD), even in advanced stages. This review describes the potential role of SGLT2 inhibitors as a breakthrough therapeutic option in PD, emphasizing their ability to address unmet clinical needs and improve patient outcomes. The multiple effects of SGLT2 inhibitors in CKD, including metabolic modulation, antihypertensive, diuretic, anemia-reducing, antioxidant, and antiinflammatory properties, are reviewed in the context of PD challenges. Additionally, the potentially protective influence of SGLT2 inhibitors on the integrity of the peritoneal membrane and the transport of solutes and water in the peritoneum are emphasized. Despite these encouraging results, the paper highlights the potential risks associated with SGLT2 inhibitors in PD and emphasizes the need for cautious and thorough investigation of dosing, long-term safety considerations, and patient-specific factors through comprehensive clinical trials. Looking forward, the review argues for well-designed studies to evaluate the expanded safety profile of SGLT2 inhibitors in PD, with particular attention paid to peritoneal membrane integrity and overall patient outcomes.

Efficacy and Safety of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors in Nondiabetic Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Review of Recent Evidence

Background

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) were initially developed as glucose-lowering agents in patients with type-2 diabetes. However, available data from clinical trials and meta-analyses suggest that SGLT2i have pleiotropic benefits in reducing mortality and delaying the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in both diabetic and nondiabetic patients. Thus, we herein review the current evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of SGLT2i in patients with nondiabetic CKD and appraise the recently reported clinical trials that might facilitate the management of CKD in routine clinical practice.

Summary

The benefits of SGLT2i on nondiabetic CKD are multifactorial and are mediated by a combination of mechanisms. The landmark DAPA-CKD trial revealed that dapagliflozin administered with renin-angiotensin system blockade drugs reduced the risk of a sustained decline (at least 50%) in the estimated glomerular filtration rate, end-stage kidney disease, or death from cardiorenal causes. The recent EMPA-KIDNEY trial showed that empagliflozin therapy led to a lower risk of progression of kidney disease or death from cardiovascular causes. These benefits were consistent in patients with and without diabetes. Moreover, a meta-analysis of DAPA-HF and EMPEROR-Reduced trials confirmed reductions in the combined risk of cardiovascular death or worsening heart failure including composite renal endpoint.

Key Messages

Considering the robust data available from DAPA-CKD, EMPA-KIDNEY, and other trials such as EMPEROR-Preserved, DIAMOND that included nondiabetic patients, it may be necessary to update current guidelines to include SGLT2i as a first-line therapy for CKD and reevaluate current CKD therapeutic approaches.

Unlocking the Full Potential of SGLT2 Inhibitors: Expanding Applications beyond Glycemic Control

The number of diabetic patients has risen dramatically in recent decades, owing mostly to the rising incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Several oral antidiabetic medications are used for the treatment of T2DM including, α-glucosidases inhibitors, biguanides, sulfonylureas, meglitinides, GLP-1 receptor agonists, PPAR-γ agonists, DDP4 inhibitors, and SGLT2 inhibitors. In this review we focus on the possible effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on different body systems. Beyond the diabetic state, SGLT2 inhibitors have revealed a demonstrable ability to ameliorate cardiac remodeling, enhance myocardial function, and lower heart failure mortality. Additionally, SGLT2 inhibitors can modify adipocytes and their production of cytokines, such as adipokines and adiponectin, which enhances insulin sensitivity and delays diabetes onset. On the other hand, SGLT2 inhibitors have been linked to decreased total hip bone mineral deposition and increased hip bone resorption in T2DM patients. More data are needed to evaluate the role of SGLT2 inhibitors on cancer. Finally, the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on neuroprotection appear to be both direct and indirect, according to scientific investigations utilizing various experimental models. SGLT2 inhibitors improve vascular tone, elasticity, and contractility by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, insulin signaling pathways, and endothelial cell proliferation. They also improve brain function, synaptic plasticity, acetylcholinesterase activity, and reduce amyloid plaque formation, as well as regulation of the mTOR pathway in the brain, which reduces brain damage and cognitive decline.

Does Dapagliflozin influence arterial stiffness and levels of circulating anti-aging hormone soluble Klotho in people with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease? Results of a randomized parallel group clinical trial

Objective

The mechanisms that explain the cardio-renal benefits of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors are unknown. The effect of SGLT-2 inhibitors on arterial aging, measured by Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity (Ao-PWV) and Soluble Klotho (s-Klotho), a circulating anti-aging biomarker of arterial health are also unclear.

Design/Setting

A 24-week single center randomized controlled trial (registry number/ EudraCT Number: 2013-004042-42) comparing Dapagliflozin and Ramipril (D+R) versus Ramipril (R) on the primary endpoint of urine albumin excretion rate (AER) and pre-specified secondary endpoints of Ao-PWV and biomarkers of arterial aging [s-Klotho and Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF-23)]. People with type 2 diabetes who had estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) > 60 ml/min and residual microalbuminuria on maximum tolerated renin angiotensin system (RAS) inhibition were included in this study.

Results

In total, 33 participants (male 73%) were randomized to either D+R (n = 17) or R (n = 16) arms. After 24 weeks of treatment, Ao-PWV (mean ± SD) did not change significantly from baseline D +R [9.06 ± 1.91 m/s to 9.13 ± 2.03 m/s], and R [9.88 ± 2.12 m/s to 10.0 ± 1.84 m/s]. AER fell significantly by 43.5% (95% CI: −57.36%, −29.56%; p < 0.01) in people in the D+ R arm only. We do not observe any significant changes in FGF-23 or s-Klotho. HbA1c and Angiotensin 1–7 fell significantly only in D + R arm.

Conclusions

The combination of Dapagliflozin and Ramipril had no effects on Ao-PWV and s-Klotho which are biomarkers of arterial aging and cardio-renal risk. Our data suggest that the early cardio-renal benefits observed with SGLT-2 inhibitors are unlikely to be related to an improvement in arterial aging.

Risk Factors for Fracture in Patients with Coexisting Chronic Kidney Disease and Type 2 Diabetes: An Observational Analysis from the CREDENCE Trial

BACKGROUND

The fracture pathophysiology associated with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) is incompletely understood. We examined individual fracture predictors and prediction sets based on different pathophysiological hypotheses, testing whether any of the sets improved prediction beyond that based on traditional osteoporotic risk factors.

METHODS

Within the CREDENCE cohort with adjudicated fracture outcomes, we assessed the association of individual factors with fracture using Cox regression models. We used the Akaike information criteria (AIC) and Schwartz Bayes Criterion (SBC) to assess six separate variable sets based on hypothesized associations with fracture, namely, traditional osteoporosis, exploratory general population findings, cardiovascular risk, CKD-mineral and bone disorder, diabetic osteodystrophy, and an all-inclusive set containing all variables.

RESULTS

Fracture occurred in 135 (3.1%) participants over a median 2.35 [1.88-2.93] years. Independent fracture predictors were older age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.04, confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.06), female sex (HR 2.49, CI 1.70-3.65), previous fracture (HR 2.30, CI 1.58-3.34), Asian race (HR 1.74, CI 1.09-2.78), vitamin D therapy requirement (HR 2.05, CI 1.31-3.21), HbA1c (HR 1.14, CI 1.00-1.32), prior cardiovascular event (HR 1.60, CI 1.10-2.33), and serum albumin (HR 0.41, CI 0.23-0.74) (lower albumin associated with greater risk). The goodness of fit of the various hypothesis sets was similar (AIC range 1870.92-1849.51, SBC range 1875.60-1948.04).

CONCLUSION

Independent predictors of fracture were identified in the CREDENCE participants with type 2 diabetes and CKD. Fracture prediction was not improved by models built on alternative pathophysiology hypotheses compared with traditional osteoporosis predictors.