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Sridhar VS, Bhatt DL, Odutayo A, Szarek M, Davies MJ, Banks P, Pitt B, Steg PG, Cherney DZI. Sotagliflozin and Kidney Outcomes, Kidney Function, and Albuminuria in Type 2 Diabetes and CKD: A Secondary Analysis of the SCORED Trial. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2024; 19:557-564. [PMID: 38277468 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.0000000000000414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the initial analysis of the Effect of Sotagliflozin on Cardiovascular and Renal Events in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Moderate Renal Impairment Who Are at Cardiovascular Risk (SCORED) trial, because of early trial termination and suspension of adjudication, reconciliation of eGFR laboratory data and case report forms had not been completed. This resulted in a small number of kidney composite events and a nominal effect of sotagliflozin versus placebo on this outcome. This exploratory analysis uses laboratory eGFR data, regardless of case report form completion, to assess the effects of sotagliflozin on the predefined kidney composite end point in the SCORED trial and additional cardiorenal composite end points. METHODS SCORED was a multicenter, randomized trial evaluating cardiorenal outcomes with sotagliflozin versus placebo in 10,584 patients with type 2 diabetes and CKD. This exploratory analysis used laboratory data to derive the eGFR components and case report form data for the non-laboratory-defined components that together made up the kidney and cardiorenal composites. AKI was also assessed in this dataset. RESULTS Using laboratory data, 223 events were identified, and sotagliflozin reduced the risk of the composite of first event of sustained ≥50% decline in eGFR, eGFR <15 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 , dialysis, or kidney transplant with 87 events (1.6%) in the sotagliflozin group and 136 events (2.6%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval], 0.62 [0.48 to 0.82]), P < 0.001). Sotagliflozin reduced the risk of a cardiorenal composite end point defined as the abovementioned composite plus cardiovascular or kidney death with 239 events (4.5%) in the sotagliflozin group and 306 events (5.7%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval], 0.77 [0.65 to 0.91], P = 0.0023). The results were consistent when using different eGFR decline thresholds and when only including kidney death in composites (all P < 0.01). The incidence of AKI was similar between treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS In this exploratory analysis using the complete laboratory dataset, sotagliflozin reduced the risk of kidney and cardiorenal composite end points in patients with type 2 diabetes and CKD. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NAME AND REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03315143 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas S Sridhar
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Deepak L Bhatt
- Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Ayodele Odutayo
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Szarek
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- CPC Clinical Research, Aurora, Colorado
- State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York
| | | | | | | | - Ph Gabriel Steg
- AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat, INSERM U-1148, Université Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | - David Z I Cherney
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Maruhashi T, Tanaka A, Takahashi K, Higashi Y, Node K. Erythropoiesis and estimated fluid volume regulation following initiation of ipragliflozin treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease: A post-hoc analysis of the PROCEED trial. Diabetes Obes Metab 2024; 26:1723-1730. [PMID: 38326092 DOI: 10.1111/dom.15481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To analyse the changes in erythropoietic and estimated fluid volume parameters after the initiation of ipragliflozin, a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS This was a post-hoc analysis of the PROCEED trial, which evaluated the effect of 24-week ipragliflozin treatment on endothelial dysfunction in patients with T2DM and CKD. We evaluated the changes in erythropoietic and estimated fluid volume parameters from baseline to 24 weeks post-treatment in 53 patients who received ipragliflozin (ipragliflozin group) and 55 patients with T2DM and CKD without sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (control group), a full analysis set of the PROCEED trial. RESULTS The increases in haemoglobin [estimated group difference, 0.5 g/dl; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.3-0.8; p < .001], haematocrit (estimated group difference, 2.2%; 95% CI, 1.3-3.1; p < .001) and erythropoietin (estimated log-transformed group difference, 0.1; 95% CI, 0.01-0.3; p = .036) were significantly greater in the ipragliflozin group than those in the control group. Ipragliflozin treatment was significantly associated with an increase in erythropoietin, independent of the corresponding change in haemoglobin (β = 0.253, p < .001) or haematocrit (β = 0.278, p < .001). Reductions in estimated plasma volume (estimated group difference, -7.94%; 95% CI, -11.6 to -4.26%; p < .001) and estimated extracellular volume (estimated group difference, -181.6 ml; 95% CI, -275.7 to -87.48 ml; p < .001) were significantly greater in the ipragliflozin group than those in the control group. CONCLUSIONS Erythropoiesis was enhanced and estimated fluid volumes were reduced by ipragliflozin in patients with T2DM and CKD. CLINICAL TRIAL PROCEED trial (registration number: jRCTs071190054).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Maruhashi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Kanae Takahashi
- Department of Biostatistics, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Yukihito Higashi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Koichi Node
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
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Zhang A, Kalil R, Marzec A, Coulter SA, Virani S, Patel KV, Segar MW. Cardiovascular Disease Management With Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Cardiology Primer. Tex Heart Inst J 2024; 51:e238375. [PMID: 38590152 DOI: 10.14503/thij-23-8375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Patients with type 2 diabetes face an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. This review centers on sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, a class of drugs that, according to a growing body of evidence, may have major potential for managing cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. This review presents findings from multiple clinical trials suggesting that SGLT2 inhibitors can not only serve as preventive therapeutic agents but also play a role in the active management of heart failure. The discussion includes the mechanism of action of SGLT2 inhibitors, emphasizing that they enhance urinary glucose excretion, which could lead to improved glycemic control and contribute to metabolic shifts beneficial to cardiac function. Alongside these cardiometabolic effects, safety concerns and practical considerations for prescribing these agents are addressed, taking into account potential adverse effects such as genitourinary infections and diabetic ketoacidosis as well as the financial implications for patients. Despite these drawbacks, therapeutic indications for SGLT2 inhibitors continue to expand, including for kidney protection, although further research is necessary to fully understand the mechanisms driving the cardioprotective and kidney-protective effects of SGLT2 inhibitors. By synthesizing current knowledge, this review intends to inform and guide clinical decision-making, thereby enhancing cardiovascular disease outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Ramsey Kalil
- Department of Cardiology, The Texas Heart Institute, Houston, Texas
| | - Alexander Marzec
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Salim Virani
- Department of Cardiology, The Texas Heart Institute, Houston, Texas
- Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Kershaw V Patel
- Department of Cardiology, Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Matthew W Segar
- Department of Cardiology, The Texas Heart Institute, Houston, Texas
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Scheen AJ. Cardiovascular protection significantly depends on HbA1c improvement with GLP-1RAs but not with SGLT2 is in type 2 diabetes: A narrative review. Diabetes Metab 2024; 50:101508. [PMID: 38158077 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabet.2023.101508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is), while developed as antihyperglycaemic medications for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, have proven to reduce major cardiovascular adverse events (MACEs) and hospitalization for heart failure (especially for SGLT2is) in dedicated cardiovascular outcome trials. The contribution of the glucose-lowering effect in the cardiovascular protection is uncertain and may differ between the two drug classes. METHODS This narrative review compares the relative effects of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) reduction on the cardiovascular protection provided by GLP-1RAs and SGLT2is in placebo-controlled cardiovascular outcome trials by using the results of either post-hoc mediation analyses or meta-regression studies. RESULTS Both mediation and meta-regression analyses suggest that the lower cardiovascular risk with GLP-1RAs partially but substantially tracks with their glucose-lowering effect, especially when considering the reduction in nonfatal strokes. In contrast, similar analyses fail to demonstrate any significant contribution of the glucose-lowering effect with SGLT2is, not only on MACEs but also on heart failure issues. CONCLUSION The contribution of improved glucose control in cardiovascular protection is limited, but is much greater for GLP-1RAs than for SGLT2is. Of note, such mediation or meta-regression analyses are exploratory and can only be viewed as hypothesis generating.
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Affiliation(s)
- André J Scheen
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Medicines (CIRM), Liège University, Liège, Belgium; Division of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Disorders, CHU Liège, Liège, Belgium.
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Cases A, Cigarrán S, Luis Górriz J, Nuñez J. Effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on anemia and their possible clinical implications. Nefrologia 2024; 44:165-172. [PMID: 38604895 DOI: 10.1016/j.nefroe.2024.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have demonstrated cardiovascular and renal benefits in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, heart failure, or chronic kidney disease. Since the first studies with these drugs, an initial increase in hemoglobin/hematocrit levels was observed, which was attributed to an increase in hemoconcentration associated with its diuretic effect, although it was early appearent that these drugs increased erythropoietin levels and erythropoiesis, and improved iron metabolism. Mediation studies found that the increase in hemoglobin was strongly associated with the cardiorenal benefits of these drugs. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms for improving erythropoiesis and the implication of the increase in hemoglobin on the cardiorenal prognostic benefit of these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleix Cases
- Servei de Nefrología, Hospital Clinic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Grupo de Anemia de la S.E.N., Spain
| | | | - José Luis Górriz
- Grupo de Anemia de la S.E.N., Spain; Servicio de Nefrología, Hospital Clínico Universitario, INCLIVA, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Julio Nuñez
- Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Clínico Universitario, INCLIVA, Universitat de València, CIBER Cardiovascular, Spain
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Rodriguez‐Valadez JM, Tahsin M, Masharani U, Park M, Hunink MGM, Yeboah J, Li L, Weber E, Berkalieva A, Avezaat L, Max W, Fleischmann KE, Ferket BS. Potential Mediators for Treatment Effects of Novel Diabetes Medications on Cardiovascular and Renal Outcomes: A Meta-Regression Analysis. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e032463. [PMID: 38362889 PMCID: PMC11010086 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.032463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M. Rodriguez‐Valadez
- Institute for Healthcare Delivery Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Malak Tahsin
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Umesh Masharani
- Department of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Meyeon Park
- Department of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
- Division of NephrologyUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - M. G. Myriam Hunink
- Department of EpidemiologyErasmus MCRotterdamthe Netherlands
- Department of RadiologyErasmus MCRotterdamthe Netherlands
- Center for Health Decision Sciences, Harvard TH Chan School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
| | - Joseph Yeboah
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Internal MedicineWake Forest University School of MedicineWinston SalemNCUSA
| | - Lihua Li
- Institute for Healthcare Delivery Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Ellerie Weber
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Asem Berkalieva
- Institute for Healthcare Delivery Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Luuk Avezaat
- Department of EpidemiologyErasmus MCRotterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Wendy Max
- Institute for Health & Aging and Department of Social and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Kirsten E. Fleischmann
- Department of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
- Division of CardiologyUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Bart S. Ferket
- Institute for Healthcare Delivery Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
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Berezin AE, Berezina TA. Plausible prediction of renoprotective effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors in patients with chronic kidney diseases. J Int Med Res 2024; 52:3000605241227659. [PMID: 38329077 PMCID: PMC10854388 DOI: 10.1177/03000605241227659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander E Berezin
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Tetiana A Berezina
- Department of Internal Medicine and Nephrology, VitaCenter, Zaporozhye, Ukraine
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Rao VS, Ivey-Miranda JB, Cox ZL, Moreno-Villagomez J, Maulion C, Bellumkonda L, Chang J, Field MP, Wiederin DR, Butler J, Collins SP, Turner JM, Wilson FP, Inzucchi SE, Wilcox CS, Ellison DH, Testani JM. Empagliflozin in Heart Failure: Regional Nephron Sodium Handling Effects. J Am Soc Nephrol 2024; 35:189-201. [PMID: 38073038 PMCID: PMC10843196 DOI: 10.1681/asn.0000000000000269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on regional tubular sodium handling is poorly understood in humans. In this study, empagliflozin substantially decreased lithium reabsorption in the proximal tubule (PT) (a marker of proximal tubular sodium reabsorption), a magnitude out of proportion to that expected with only inhibition of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2. This finding was not driven by an "osmotic diuretic" effect; however, several parameters changed in a manner consistent with inhibition of the sodium-hydrogen exchanger 3. The large changes in proximal tubular handling were acutely buffered by increased reabsorption in both the loop of Henle and the distal nephron, resulting in the observed modest acute natriuresis with these agents. After 14 days of empagliflozin, natriuresis waned due to increased reabsorption in the PT and/or loop of Henle. These findings confirm in humans that SGLT2i have complex and important effects on renal tubular solute handling. BACKGROUND The effect of SGLT2i on regional tubular sodium handling is poorly understood in humans but may be important for the cardiorenal benefits. METHODS This study used a previously reported randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study of empagliflozin 10 mg daily in patients with diabetes and heart failure. Sodium handling in the PT, loop of Henle (loop), and distal nephron was assessed at baseline and day 14 using fractional excretion of lithium (FELi), capturing PT/loop sodium reabsorption. Assessments were made with and without antagonism of sodium reabsorption through the loop using bumetanide. RESULTS Empagliflozin resulted in a large decrease in sodium reabsorption in the PT (increase in FELi=7.5%±10.6%, P = 0.001), with several observations suggesting inhibition of PT sodium hydrogen exchanger 3. In the absence of renal compensation, this would be expected to result in approximately 40 g of sodium excretion/24 hours with normal kidney function. However, rapid tubular compensation occurred with increased sodium reabsorption both in the loop ( P < 0.001) and distal nephron ( P < 0.001). Inhibition of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 did not attenuate over 14 days of empagliflozin ( P = 0.14). However, there were significant reductions in FELi ( P = 0.009), fractional excretion of sodium ( P = 0.004), and absolute fractional distal sodium reabsorption ( P = 0.036), indicating that chronic adaptation to SGLT2i results primarily from increased reabsorption in the loop and/or PT. CONCLUSIONS Empagliflozin caused substantial redistribution of intrarenal sodium delivery and reabsorption, providing mechanistic substrate to explain some of the benefits of this class. Importantly, the large increase in sodium exit from the PT was balanced by distal compensation, consistent with SGLT2i excellent safety profile. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NAME AND REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT03027960 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Veena S. Rao
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Juan B. Ivey-Miranda
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Hospital de Cardiologia, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Zachary L. Cox
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy, Nashville, Tennessee
- Department of Pharmacy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Julieta Moreno-Villagomez
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Christopher Maulion
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Lavanya Bellumkonda
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - John Chang
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
| | | | | | - Javed Butler
- Baylor Scott and White Research Institute, Dallas, Texas
| | - Sean P. Collins
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jeffrey M. Turner
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - F. Perry Wilson
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Clinical and Translational Research Accelerator, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Silvio E. Inzucchi
- Section of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Christopher S. Wilcox
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | - David H. Ellison
- Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Jeffrey M. Testani
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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Packer M. Hyperuricemia and Gout Reduction by SGLT2 Inhibitors in Diabetes and Heart Failure: JACC Review Topic of the Week. J Am Coll Cardiol 2024; 83:371-381. [PMID: 38199714 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2023.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Gout is characterized by increased production of purines (through the pentose phosphate pathway), which is coupled with reduced renal or intestinal excretion of urate. Concurrent upregulation of nutrient surplus signaling (mammalian target of rapamycin and hypoxia-inducible factor-1a) and downregulation of nutrient deprivation signaling (sirtuin-1 and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase) redirects glucose toward anabolic pathways (rather than adenosine triphosphate production), thus promoting heightened oxidative stress and cardiomyocyte and proximal tubular dysfunction, leading to cardiomyopathy and kidney disease. Hyperuricemia is a marker (rather than a driver) of these cellular stresses. By inducing a state of starvation mimicry in a state of nutrient surplus, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors decrease flux through the pentose phosphate pathway (thereby attenuating purine and urate synthesis) while promoting renal urate excretion. These convergent actions exert a meaningful effect to lower serum uric acid by ≈0.6 to 1.5 mg/dL and to reduce the risk of gout by 30% to 50% in large-scale clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milton Packer
- Baylor Heart and Vascular Institute, Dallas, Texas, USA; Imperial College, London, United Kingdom.
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Packer M. Mechanisms of enhanced renal and hepatic erythropoietin synthesis by sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors. Eur Heart J 2023; 44:5027-5035. [PMID: 37086098 PMCID: PMC10733737 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehad235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce the risk of major heart failure events, an action that is statistically linked to enhanced erythropoiesis, suggesting that stimulation of erythropoietin and cardioprotection are related to a shared mechanism. Four hypotheses have been proposed to explain how these drugs increase erythropoietin production: (i) renal cortical reoxygenation with rejuvenation of erythropoietin-producing cells; (ii) counterregulatory distal sodium reabsorption leading to increased tubular workload and oxygen consumption, and thus, to localized hypoxia; (iii) increased iron mobilization as a stimulus of hypoxia-inducible factor-2α (HIF-2α)-mediated erythropoietin synthesis; and (iv) direct HIF-2α activation and enhanced erythropoietin gene transcription due to increased sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) signaling. The first two hypotheses assume that the source of increased erythropoietin is the interstitial fibroblast-like cells in the deep renal cortex. However, SGLT2 inhibitors do not alter regional tissue oxygen tension in the non-diabetic kidney, and renal erythropoietin synthesis is markedly impaired in patients with anemia due to chronic kidney disease, and yet, SGLT2 inhibitors produce an unattenuated erythrocytic response in these patients. This observation raises the possibility that the liver contributes to the production of erythropoietin during SGLT2 inhibition. Hypoxia-inducible factor-2α and erythropoietin are coexpressed not only in the kidney but also in hepatocytes; the liver is a major site of production when erythropoietin stimulation is maintained for prolonged periods. The ability of SGLT2 inhibitors to improve iron mobilization by derepressing hepcidin and ferritin would be expected to increase cytosolic ferrous iron, which might stimulate HIF-2α expression in both the kidney and liver through the action of iron regulatory protein 1. Alternatively, the established ability of SGLT2 inhibitors to enhance SIRT1 might be the mechanism of enhanced erythropoietin production with these drugs. In hepatic cell lines, SIRT1 can directly activate HIF-2α by deacetylation, and additionally, through an effect of SIRT in the liver, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α binds to hepatic nuclear factor 4 to promote transcription of the erythropoietin gene and synthesis of erythropoietin. Since SIRT1 up-regulation exerts direct cytoprotective effects on the heart and stimulates erythropoietin, it is well-positioned to represent the shared mechanism that links erythropoiesis to cardioprotection during SGLT2 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milton Packer
- Baylor Heart and Vascular Institute, 621 North Hall Street, Dallas, TX 75226, USA
- Imperial College, London, UK
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Pandey AK, Bhatt DL, Pandey A, Marx N, Cosentino F, Pandey A, Verma S. Mechanisms of benefits of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Eur Heart J 2023; 44:3640-3651. [PMID: 37674356 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehad389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
For decades, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) proved an elusive entity to treat. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have recently been shown to reduce the composite of heart failure hospitalization or cardiovascular death in patients with HFpEF in the landmark DELIVER and EMPEROR-Preserved trials. While improvements in blood sugar, blood pressure, and attenuation of kidney disease progression all may play some role, preclinical and translational research have identified additional mechanisms of these agents. The SGLT2 inhibitors have intriguingly been shown to induce a nutrient-deprivation and hypoxic-like transcriptional paradigm, with increased ketosis, erythropoietin, and autophagic flux in addition to altering iron homeostasis, which may contribute to improved cardiac energetics and function. These agents also reduce epicardial adipose tissue and alter adipokine signalling, which may play a role in the reductions in inflammation and oxidative stress observed with SGLT2 inhibition. Emerging evidence also indicates that these drugs impact cardiomyocyte ionic homeostasis although whether this is through indirect mechanisms or via direct, off-target effects on other ion channels has yet to be clearly characterized. Finally, SGLT2 inhibitors have been shown to reduce myofilament stiffness as well as extracellular matrix remodelling/fibrosis in the heart, improving diastolic function. The SGLT2 inhibitors have established themselves as robust, disease-modifying therapies and as recent trial results are incorporated into clinical guidelines, will likely become foundational in the therapy of HFpEF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun K Pandey
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, 90 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Deepak L Bhatt
- Mount Sinai Heart, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Health System, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Avinash Pandey
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin St, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4W7, Canada
| | - Nikolaus Marx
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, Templergraben 55, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Francesco Cosentino
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Norrbacka S1:02, Stockholm, SE 17177, Sweden
- Heart, Vascular and Neuro Theme, Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Anna Steckséns gata 41, 171 64 Solna, Sweden
| | - Ambarish Pandey
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Subodh Verma
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, 30 Bond Street, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Doi Y, Hamano T, Yamaguchi S, Sakaguchi Y, Kaimori JY, Isaka Y. Mediators between canagliflozin and renoprotection vary depending on patient characteristics: Insights from the CREDENCE trial. Diabetes Obes Metab 2023; 25:2944-2953. [PMID: 37385955 DOI: 10.1111/dom.15191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
AIM To identify the mediators between canagliflozin and renoprotection in patients with type 2 diabetes at a high risk of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). METHODS In this post hoc analysis of the CREDENCE trial, the effect of canagliflozin on potential mediators (42 biomarkers) at 52 weeks and the association between changes in mediators and renal outcomes were evaluated using mixed-effects and Cox models, respectively. The renal outcome was a composite of ESKD, serum creatinine doubling or renal death. The percentage of the mediating effect of each significant mediator was calculated based on changes in the hazard ratios of canagliflozin after additional adjustment of the mediator. RESULTS Changes in haematocrit, haemoglobin, red blood cell (RBC) count and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) at 52 weeks significantly mediated 47%, 41%, 40% and 29% risk reduction with canagliflozin, respectively. Further, 85% mediation was attributed to the combined effect of haematocrit and UACR. A large variation in mediating effects by haematocrit change existed among the subgroups, ranging from 17% in those patients with a UACR of more than 3000 mg/g to 63% in patients with a UACR of 3000 mg/g or less. In the subgroups with a UACR of more than 3000 mg/g, UACR change was the highest mediating factor (37%), driven by the strong association between UACR decline and renal risk reduction. CONCLUSIONS The renoprotective effects of canagliflozin in patients at a high risk of ESKD can be significantly explained by changes in RBC variables and UACR. The complementary mediating effects of RBC variables and UACR may support the renoprotective effect of canagliflozin in different patient groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Doi
- Department of Nephrology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology, Hypertension & Nephrology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Japan
| | - Takayuki Hamano
- Department of Nephrology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
- Department of Nephrology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yamaguchi
- Department of Nephrology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
- Department of Nephrology, Japan Community Health Care Organization Osaka Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yusuke Sakaguchi
- Department of Nephrology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Jun-Ya Kaimori
- Department of Nephrology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Isaka
- Department of Nephrology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
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Packer M, Butler J, Zeller C, Pocock SJ, Brueckmann M, Ferreira JP, Filippatos G, Usman MS, Zannad F, Anker SD. Blinded Withdrawal of Long-Term Randomized Treatment With Empagliflozin or Placebo in Patients With Heart Failure. Circulation 2023; 148:1011-1022. [PMID: 37621153 PMCID: PMC10516173 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.123.065748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is not known whether the benefits of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in heart failure persist after years of therapy. METHODS In the EMPEROR-Reduced (Empagliflozin Outcome Trials in Chronic Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction) and EMPEROR-Preserved (Empagliflozin Outcome Trials in Chronic Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction) trials, patients with heart failure were randomly assigned (double-blind) to placebo or empagliflozin 10 mg/day for a median of 16 and 26 months, respectively. At the end of the trials, 6799 patients (placebo 3381, empagliflozin 3418) were prospectively withdrawn from treatment in a blinded manner, and, of these, 3981 patients (placebo 2020, empagliflozin 1961) underwent prespecified in-person assessments after ≈30 days off treatment. RESULTS From 90 days from the start of closeout to the end of double-blind treatment, the annualized risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure was lower in empagliflozin-treated patients than in placebo-treated patients (10.7 [95% CI, 9.0-12.6] versus 13.5 [95% CI, 11.5-15.6] events per 100 patient-years, respectively; hazard ratio 0.76 [95% CI, 0.60-0.96]). When the study drugs were withdrawn for ≈30 days, the annualized risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure increased in patients withdrawn from empagliflozin but not in those withdrawn from placebo (17.0 [95% CI, 12.6-22.1] versus 14.1 [95% CI, 10.1-18.8] events per 100 patient-years for empagliflozin and placebo, respectively). The hazard ratio for the change in risk in the patients withdrawn from empagliflozin was 1.75 (95% CI, 1.20-2.54), P=0.0034, whereas the change in the risk in patients withdrawn from placebo was not significant (hazard ratio 1.12 [95% CI, 0.76-1.66]); time period-by-treatment interaction, P=0.068. After withdrawal, the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Clinical Summary Score declined by 1.6±0.4 in patients withdrawn from empagliflozin versus placebo (P<0.0001). Furthermore, withdrawal of empagliflozin was accompanied by increases in fasting glucose, body weight, systolic blood pressure, estimated glomerular filtration rate, N-terminal pro-hormone B-type natriuretic peptide, uric acid, and serum bicarbonate and decreases in hemoglobin and hematocrit (all P<0.01). These physiological and laboratory changes were the inverse of the effects of the drug seen at the start of the trials during the initiation of treatment (≈1-3 years earlier) in the same cohort of patients. CONCLUSIONS These observations demonstrate a persistent effect of empagliflozin in patients with heart failure even after years of treatment, which dissipated rapidly after withdrawal of the drug. REGISTRATION URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS gov; Unique identifiers: NCT03057977 and NCT03057951.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milton Packer
- Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX (M.P.)
- Imperial College, London, United Kingdom (M.P.)
| | - Javed Butler
- Baylor Scott and White Research Institute, Dallas, TX (J.B.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi School of Medicine, Jackson, MS (J.B.)
| | - Cordula Zeller
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH and Co KG, Biberach, Germany (C.Z.)
| | - Stuart J Pocock
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom (S.J.P.)
| | - Martina Brueckmann
- Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Ingelheim, Germany (M.B.)
- First Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Germany (M.B.)
| | - João Pedro Ferreira
- Cardiovascular Research and Development Center, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Portugal (J.P.F.)
- Centre d'Investigations Cliniques Plurithématique 14-33, and Inserm U1116, CHRU, F-CRIN INI-CRCT (Cardiovascular and Renal Clinical Trialists), Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France (J.P.F., F.Z.)
| | - Gerasimos Filippatos
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens University Hospital Attikon, Athens, Greece (G.F.)
| | - Muhammad Shariq Usman
- Division of Cardiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas (M.S.U.)
| | - Faiez Zannad
- Centre d'Investigations Cliniques Plurithématique 14-33, and Inserm U1116, CHRU, F-CRIN INI-CRCT (Cardiovascular and Renal Clinical Trialists), Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France (J.P.F., F.Z.)
| | - Stefan D Anker
- Department of Cardiology (CVK); and Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT); German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) partner site Berlin; Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin (S.D.A.)
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Packer M, Butler J. Similarities and distinctions between acetazolamide and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in patients with acute heart failure: Key insights into ADVOR and EMPULSE. Eur J Heart Fail 2023; 25:1537-1543. [PMID: 37403655 DOI: 10.1002/ejhf.2968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Both acetazolamide and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors block sodium reabsorption in the proximal renal tubule primarily through inhibition of sodium-hydrogen exchanger isoform 3 (NHE3), but neither SGLT2 inhibitors nor acetazolamide produce a sustained natriuresis due to compensatory upregulation of sodium reabsorption at distal nephron sites. Nevertheless, acetazolamide and SGLT2 inhibitors have been used as adjunctive therapy to loop diuretics in states where NHE3 is upregulated, e.g. acute heart failure. Two randomized controlled trials have been carried out with acetazolamide in acute heart failure (DIURESIS-CHF and ADVOR). In ADVOR, acetazolamide improved physical signs of fluid retention, but this finding could not be explained by the modest observed diuretic effect. Acetazolamide did not produce a natriuresis in the DIURESIS-CHF trial, and in ADVOR, immediate effects on symptoms and body weight were not reported, and the drug had no effect on morbidity or mortality after 90 days. Three randomized controlled trials have been carried out with empagliflozin (EMPAG-HF, EMPA-RESPONSE-AHF and EMPULSE) in acute heart failure. The EMPULSE trial did not report effects on diuresis or in changes in physical signs of congestion during the first week of treatment, but in EMPAG-HF and EMPA-RESPONSE-AHF, empagliflozin had no effect of dyspnoea, urinary sodium excretion or body weight during the first 4 days. In the EMPULSE trial, empagliflozin improved health status at 15 days and reduced the risk of worsening heart failure events at 90 days, but these effects are similar in magnitude and time course to the early statistical significance on the risk of heart failure hospitalizations achieved within 14-30 days in the major trials of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with chronic heart failure. Neurohormonal inhibitors produce this early effect in the absence of a diuresis. Additionally, in numerous randomized controlled trials, in-hospital diuretic intensification has not reduced the risk of major heart failure events, even when treatment is sustained. These findings, taken collectively, suggest that any immediate diuretic effects of acetazolamide and SGLT2 inhibitors in acute heart failure are not likely to influence the short- or long-term clinical course of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milton Packer
- Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Javed Butler
- Baylor Scott and White Research Institute, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi School of Medicine, Jackson, MS, USA
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15
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Borlaug BA, Testani JM. SGLT2 inhibitors and diuretics in heart failure: clicking reset on the renal volume setpoint? Eur Heart J 2023; 44:2944-2946. [PMID: 37220086 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehad345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Barry A Borlaug
- The Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Testani
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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Packer M, Wilcox CS, Testani JM. Critical Analysis of the Effects of SGLT2 Inhibitors on Renal Tubular Sodium, Water and Chloride Homeostasis and Their Role in Influencing Heart Failure Outcomes. Circulation 2023; 148:354-372. [PMID: 37486998 PMCID: PMC10358443 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.123.064346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
SGLT2 (sodium-glucose cotransporter 2) inhibitors interfere with the reabsorption of glucose and sodium in the early proximal renal tubule, but the magnitude and duration of any ensuing natriuretic or diuretic effect are the result of an interplay between the degree of upregulation of SGLT2 and sodium-hydrogen exchanger 3, the extent to which downstream compensatory tubular mechanisms are activated, and (potentially) the volume set point in individual patients. A comprehensive review and synthesis of available studies reveals several renal response patterns with substantial variation across studies and clinical settings. However, the common observation is an absence of a large acute or chronic diuresis or natriuresis with these agents, either when given alone or combined with other diuretics. This limited response results from the fact that renal compensation to these drugs is rapid and nearly complete within a few days or weeks, preventing progressive volume losses. Nevertheless, the finding that fractional excretion of glucose and lithium (the latter being a marker of proximal sodium reabsorption) persists during long-term treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors indicates that pharmacological tolerance to the effects of these drugs at the level of the proximal tubule does not meaningfully occur. This persistent proximal tubular effect of SGLT2 inhibitors can be hypothesized to produce a durable improvement in the internal set point for volume homeostasis, which may become clinically important during times of fluid expansion. However, it is difficult to know whether a treatment-related change in the volume set point actually occurs or contributes to the effect of these drugs to reduce the risk of major heart failure events. SGLT2 inhibitors exert cardioprotective effects by a direct effect on cardiomyocytes that is independent of the presence of or binding to SGLT2 or the actions of these drugs on the proximal renal tubule. Nevertheless, changes in the volume set point mediated by SGLT2 inhibitors might potentially act cooperatively with the direct favorable molecular and cellular effects of these drugs on cardiomyocytes to mediate their benefits on the development and clinical course of heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milton Packer
- Baylor Heart and Vascular Institute, Dallas, TX (M.P.)
- Imperial College London, United Kingdom (M.P.)
| | - Christopher S. Wilcox
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Kidney, and Vascular Research Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC (C.S.W.)
| | - Jeffrey M. Testani
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT (J.M.T.)
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Tanaka A, Imai T, Toyoda S, Sugimoto K, Yoshida R, Furuta M, Node K. Long-term observation of estimated fluid volume reduction after the initiation of ipragliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a sub-analysis from a randomized controlled trial (PROTECT). Diabetol Metab Syndr 2023; 15:152. [PMID: 37415229 DOI: 10.1186/s13098-023-01129-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS/AIM Recent studies have shown that the addition of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors gradually reduces the estimated fluid volume parameters in a broad range of patient populations, suggesting that this mediates the clinical benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors in preventing heart failure. Here, we sought to examine the long-term (24 months) effect of the SGLT2 inhibitor ipragliflozin on the estimated fluid volume parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS In this prespecified sub-analysis of the PROTECT (Prevention of Atherosclerosis by SGLT2 Inhibitor: Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Study) trial, which was an investigator-initiated, multicenter, prospective, randomized, open-label, clinical trial primarily designed to evaluate the effect of ipragliflozin treatment administered for 24 months on carotid atherosclerosis in patients with T2DM, we evaluated serial changes in estimated plasma volume (ePV, %) calculated using the Straus formula and estimated extracellular volume (eEV, mL) calculated by the body surface area by 24 months following the initiation of 50-mg ipragliflozin once daily and compared them with those following standard care for T2DM (non-SGLT2 inhibitor use). RESULTS This sub-analysis included 464 patients (ipragliflozin, n = 232; control, n = 232), a full analysis set of the PROTECT trial. In an analysis using mixed-effects models for repeated measures, relative to the control group, ipragliflozin significantly reduced ePV by - 10.29% (95% confidence interval [CI] - 12.47% to - 8.11%; P < 0.001) at 12 months and - 10.76% (95% CI - 12.86% to - 8.67%; P < 0.001) at 24 months. Additionally, ipragliflozin significantly reduced eEV by - 190.44 mL (95% CI - 249.09 to - 131.79 mL; P < 0.001) at 12 months and - 176.90 mL (95% CI - 233.36 to - 120.44 mL; P < 0.001) at 24 months. The effects of ipragliflozin on these parameters over 24 months were mostly consistent across various patient clinical characteristics. CONCLUSIONS This prespecified sub-analysis from the PROTECT trial demonstrated that ipragliflozin treatment, compared with the standard care for T2DM, reduced two types of estimated fluid volume parameters in patients with T2DM, and the effect was maintained for 24 months. Our findings suggest that SGLT2 inhibitor treatment regulates clinical parameters incorporated into the calculating formulas analyzed and consequently fluid volume status for the long-term, and this may be at least partly associated with clinical benefits from chronic use of SGLT2 inhibitors. Trial registration Japan Registry of Clinical Trials, ID jRCT1071220089.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Saga University, 5-5-1 Nabeshima, Saga, 849-8501, Japan.
| | - Takumi Imai
- Department of Medical Statistics, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shigeru Toyoda
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Mibu, Japan
| | | | - Ruka Yoshida
- Department of Cardiology, Japanese Red Cross Aichi Medical Center Nagoya Daini Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Machi Furuta
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Koichi Node
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Saga University, 5-5-1 Nabeshima, Saga, 849-8501, Japan.
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Keidai Y, Yoshiji S, Hasebe M, Minamino H, Murakami T, Tanaka D, Fujita Y, Inagaki N. Stabilization of kidney function and reduction in heart failure events with sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors: A meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis. Diabetes Obes Metab 2023. [PMID: 37217461 DOI: 10.1111/dom.15122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce the risk of heart failure (HF) events regardless of diabetes status. However, factors associated with their efficacy in HF reduction remain unknown. This study aims to identify clinically relevant markers for the efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors in HF risk reduction. MATERIALS AND METHODS We searched PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE for randomized placebo-controlled trials of SGLT2 inhibitors reporting a composite of HF hospitalization or cardiovascular death in participants with or without type 2 diabetes published until 28 February 2023. Random-effects meta-analysis and mixed-effects meta-regression were conducted to evaluate the association between the outcomes and clinical variables, including changes in glycated haemoglobin, body weight, systolic blood pressure, haematocrit and overall/chronic estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) slope. RESULTS Thirteen trials with 90 413 participants were included. SGLT2 inhibitors reduced the hazard ratio of the composite of HF hospitalization or cardiovascular death (hazard ratio 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.74-0.81; p < .0001). In meta-regression analysis, chronic eGFR slope (eGFR change after the initial dip) was significantly associated with the composite outcome (p = .017), and each 1 ml/min/1.73 m2 /year improvement in chronic eGFR slope led to a 14% reduction in the composite outcome. By contrast, changes in the other parameters showed no significant associations. CONCLUSIONS Improvement in chronic eGFR slope, which reflects the stabilization of kidney function, is significantly associated with the efficacy of the SGLT2 inhibitor in HF, highlighting the cardiorenal axis role in the beneficial effects on HF. The chronic eGFR slope can be a surrogate marker of the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on HF reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamato Keidai
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- Tazuke-Kofukai Medical Research Institute KITANO HOSPITAL, Osaka, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yoshiji
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- Tazuke-Kofukai Medical Research Institute KITANO HOSPITAL, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Kyoto-McGill International Collaborative Program in Genomic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masashi Hasebe
- Tazuke-Kofukai Medical Research Institute KITANO HOSPITAL, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroto Minamino
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takaaki Murakami
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Daisuke Tanaka
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yoshihito Fujita
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Nobuya Inagaki
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- Tazuke-Kofukai Medical Research Institute KITANO HOSPITAL, Osaka, Japan
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Rastogi A, Januzzi JL. Pleiotropic Effects of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors in Cardiovascular Disease and Chronic Kidney Disease. J Clin Med 2023; 12:2824. [PMID: 37109162 PMCID: PMC10143176 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12082824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) have been shown to improve cardiovascular and renal outcomes in patients with established cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and heart failure (HF) with reduced or preserved ejection fraction. Clinical benefit has been substantiated in patients with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D). Consequently, SGLT2is have an increasingly important role in HF and CKD management that extends beyond T2D treatment. Their pleiotropic pharmacological effects underlying their cardiovascular and renal benefits are not completely understood but include significant effects beyond blood glucose reduction. SGLT2is inhibit the reabsorption of glucose and sodium in the proximal tubule which, in addition to lowering blood glucose, activates tubuloglomerular feedback, leading to reduced glomerular hydrostatic pressure and the mitigation of glomerular filtration rate loss. SGLT2is have diuretic and natriuretic effects, leading to decreased blood pressure, preload, and left ventricular (LV) filling pressure, and improvements in other surrogates of afterload. In HF, SGLT2is mitigate the risks of hyperkalemia and ventricular arrhythmia and improve LV dysfunction. SGLT2is also reduce sympathetic tone and uric acid levels, increase hemoglobin levels, and are postulated to have anti-inflammatory properties. This narrative review discusses the multifactorial and interrelated pharmacological mechanisms underlying the cardiovascular and renal benefits of SGLT2is.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjay Rastogi
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - James L. Januzzi
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA;
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Baim Institute for Clinical Research, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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Hasebe M, Yoshiji S, Keidai Y, Minamino H, Murakami T, Tanaka D, Fujita Y, Harada N, Hamasaki A, Inagaki N. Efficacy of antihyperglycemic therapies on cardiovascular and heart failure outcomes: an updated meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis of 35 randomized cardiovascular outcome trials. Cardiovasc Diabetol 2023; 22:62. [PMID: 36935489 PMCID: PMC10024854 DOI: 10.1186/s12933-023-01773-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effects of antihyperglycemic therapies on cardiovascular and heart failure (HF) risks have varied widely across cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs), and underlying factors remain incompletely understood. We aimed to determine the relationships of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) or bodyweight changes with these outcomes in all CVOTs of antihyperglycemic therapies. METHODS We searched PubMed and EMBASE up to 25 January 2023 for all randomized controlled CVOTs of antihyperglycemic therapies reporting both major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and HF outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. We performed meta-regression analyses following random-effects meta-analyses to evaluate the effects of HbA1c or bodyweight reductions on each outcome. RESULTS Thirty-five trials comprising 256,524 patients were included. Overall, antihyperglycemic therapies reduced MACE by 9% [risk ratio (RR): 0.91; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88-0.94; P < 0.001; I2 = 36.5%]. In meta-regression, every 1% greater reduction in HbA1c was associated with a 14% reduction in the RR of MACE (95% CI 4-24; P = 0.010), whereas bodyweight change was not associated with the RR of MACE. The magnitude of the reduction in MACE risk associated with HbA1c reduction was greater in trials with a higher baseline prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, antihyperglycemic therapies showed no overall significant effect on HF (RR: 0.95; 95% CI 0.87-1.04; P = 0.28; I2 = 75.9%). In a subgroup analysis based on intervention type, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) conferred the greatest HF risk reduction (RR: 0.68; 95% CI 0.62-0.75; P < 0.001; I2 = 0.0%). In meta-regression, every 1 kg bodyweight reduction, but not HbA1c reduction, was found to reduce the RR of HF by 7% (95% CI 4-10; P < 0.001); however, significant residual heterogeneity (P < 0.001) was observed, and SGLT2i reduced HF more than could be explained by HbA1c or bodyweight reductions. CONCLUSIONS Antihyperglycemic therapies reduce MACE in an HbA1c-dependent manner. These findings indicate that HbA1c can be a useful marker of MACE risk reduction across a wide range of antihyperglycemic therapies, including drugs with pleiotropic effects. In contrast, HF is reduced not in an HbA1c-dependent but in a bodyweight-dependent manner. Notably, SGLT2i have shown class-specific benefits for HF beyond HbA1c or bodyweight reductions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masashi Hasebe
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Medical Research Institute KITANO HOSPITAL, PIIF Tazuke-Kofukai, Osaka, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yoshiji
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Medical Research Institute KITANO HOSPITAL, PIIF Tazuke-Kofukai, Osaka, Japan.
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
- Kyoto-McGill International Collaborative Program in Genomic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Yamato Keidai
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Medical Research Institute KITANO HOSPITAL, PIIF Tazuke-Kofukai, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Hiroto Minamino
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Takaaki Murakami
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Daisuke Tanaka
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yoshihito Fujita
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Norio Harada
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Akihiro Hamasaki
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Medical Research Institute KITANO HOSPITAL, PIIF Tazuke-Kofukai, Osaka, Japan
| | - Nobuya Inagaki
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Medical Research Institute KITANO HOSPITAL, PIIF Tazuke-Kofukai, Osaka, Japan.
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
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Kugathasan L, Dubrofsky L, Advani A, Cherney DZI. The anti-hypertensive effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2023; 21:15-34. [PMID: 36524239 DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2023.2159810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hypertension is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), heart failure, obesity, and diabetes. Despite the usual prescribed antihypertensive therapies, many patients fail to achieve the recommended blood pressure (BP) targets. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes the clinical BP-lowering data presented in major CV and kidney outcome trials for sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, as well as smaller dedicated BP trials in high-risk individuals with and without diabetes. We have also highlighted potential mechanisms that may contribute to the antihypertensive effects of SGLT2 inhibitors, including natriuresis and hemodynamic changes, a loop diuretic-like effect, and alterations in vascular physiology. EXPERT OPINION The antihypertensive properties of SGLT2 inhibitors are generally modest but may be larger in certain patient populations. SGLT2 inhibitors may have an additional role as an adjunctive BP-lowering therapy in patients with hypertension at high risk of CV disease or kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luxcia Kugathasan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Cardiovascular Sciences Collaborative Specialization, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa Dubrofsky
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Nephrology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Nephrology, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew Advani
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science and Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Z I Cherney
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Cardiovascular Sciences Collaborative Specialization, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Packer M. How can sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors stimulate erythrocytosis in patients who are iron-deficient? Implications for understanding iron homeostasis in heart failure. Eur J Heart Fail 2022; 24:2287-2296. [PMID: 36377108 PMCID: PMC10100235 DOI: 10.1002/ejhf.2731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Many patients with heart failure have an iron-deficient state, which can limit erythropoiesis in erythroid precursors and ATP production in cardiomyocytes. Yet, treatment with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors produces consistent increases in haemoglobin and haematocrit, even in patients who are iron-deficient before treatment, and this effect remains unattenuated throughout treatment even though SGLT2 inhibitors further aggravate biomarkers of iron deficiency. Heart failure is often accompanied by systemic inflammation, which activates hepcidin, thus impairing the duodenal absorption of iron and the release of iron from macrophages and hepatocytes, leading to a decline in circulating iron. Inflammation and oxidative stress also promote the synthesis of ferritin and suppress ferritinophagy, thus impairing the release of intracellular iron stores and leading to the depletion of bioreactive cytosolic Fe2+ . By alleviating inflammation and oxidative stress, SGLT2 inhibitors down-regulate hepcidin, upregulate transferrin receptor protein 1 and reduce ferritin; the net result is to increase the levels of cytosolic Fe2+ available to mitochondria, thus enabling the synthesis of heme (in erythroid precursors) and ATP (in cardiomyocytes). The finding that SGLT2 inhibitors can induce erythrocytosis without iron supplementation suggests that the abnormalities in iron diagnostic tests in patients with mild-to-moderate heart failure are likely to be functional, rather than absolute, that is, they are related to inflammation-mediated trapping of iron by hepcidin and ferritin, which is reversed by treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors. An increase in bioreactive cytosolic Fe2+ is also likely to augment mitochondrial production of ATP in cardiomyocytes, thus retarding the progression of heart failure. These effects on iron metabolism are consistent with (i) proteomics analyses of placebo-controlled trials, which have shown that biomarkers of iron homeostasis represent the most consistent effect of SGLT2 inhibitors; and (ii) statistical mediation analyses, which have reported striking parallelism of the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors to promote erythrocytosis and reduce heart failure events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milton Packer
- Baylor Heart and Vascular InstituteDallasTXUSA
- Imperial CollegeLondonUK
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