SGLT2 inhibitors and cardiovascular outcomes in heart failure with mildly reduced and preserved ejection fraction: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Aim: To provide a pooled effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF: _x0001_50%) or/and mildly reduced EF (HFmrEF: 41e49%) regardless of baseline diabetes. Methods: We systemically searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science databases and clinical trial registries using appropriate keywords till August 28, 2022, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or post-hoc analysis of RCTs, reporting cardiovascular death (CVD) and/or urgent visits/hospitalization for heart failure(HHF) in patients with HFmrEF/HFpEF receiving SGLTi vs. placebo. Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for outcomes were pooled together using generic inverse variance method with fixed-effects model. Results: We identified six RCTs, pooling data retrieved from 15,769 patients with HFmrEF/HFpEF. Pooled analysis showed that compared to placebo, SGLT2i use was significantly associated with improved CVD/ HHF outcomes in HFmrEF/HFpEF (pooled HR 0.80, 95% CI: 0.74, 0.86, p < 0.001, I 2 ¼ 0%). When separately analyzed, benefits of SGLT2i remained significant across HFpEF (N ¼ 8891, HR 0.79, 95% CI: 0.71, 0.87, p < 0.001, I 2 ¼ 0%) and HFmrEF (N ¼ 4555, HR 0.77, 95% CI: 0.67, 0.89, p < 0.001, I 2 ¼ 40%). Consistent benefits were observed also in HFmrEF/HFpEF subgroup without baseline diabetes (N ¼ 6507, HR 0.80, 95% CI: 0.70, 0.91, p < 0.001, I 2 ¼ 0%). Sensitivity analysis including the DELIVER and EMPEROR-Preserved trials found a trend towards significant beneficial effects on CV deaths with no heterogeneity (HR 0.90, 95% CI: 0.79, 1.02, p ¼ 0.08, I 2 ¼ 0%). Conclusions: This meta-analysis established the place of SGLT2i as a foundational therapy among patients with HF with preserved and mildly reduced EF regardless of diabetes.

Structural repurposing of SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin for strengthening anti-heart failure activity with lower glycosuria

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have been reapproved for heart failure (HF) therapy in patients with and without diabetes. However, the initial glucose-lowering indication of SGLT2i has impeded their uses in cardiovascular clinical practice. A challenge of SGLT2i then becomes how to separate their anti-HF activity from glucose-lowering side-effect. To address this issue, we conducted structural repurposing of EMPA, a representative SGLT2 inhibitor, to strengthen anti-HF activity and reduce the SGLT2-inhibitory activity according to structural basis of inhibition of SGLT2. Compared to EMPA, the optimal derivative JX01, which was produced by methylation of C2-OH of the glucose ring, exhibited weaker SGLT2-inhibitory activity (IC50 > 100 nmol/L), and lower glycosuria and glucose-lowering side-effect, better NHE1-inhibitory activity and cardioprotective effect in HF mice. Furthermore, JX01 showed good safety profiles in respect of single-dose/repeat-dose toxicity and hERG activity, and good pharmacokinetic properties in both mouse and rat species. Collectively, the present study provided a paradigm of drug repurposing to discover novel anti-HF drugs, and indirectly demonstrated that SGLT2-independent molecular mechanisms play an important role in cardioprotective effects of SGLT2 inhibitors.

Impact of Empagliflozin Add-on Therapy on Quality of Life in Patients of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Hypertension: A Prospective Study

Background: Diabetes has a negative impact on patient’s quality of life (QoL). Comorbidities and polypharmacy further worsen their QoL. Thus, in addition to glycemic control, assessment of QoL is also gaining importance. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate QoL in patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with hypertension after add?on empagliflozin to triple drug therapy (metformin, teneligliptin, and glimepiride). Materials and Methods: A prospective research was done on T2DM patients with hypertension, who visited a tertiary care referral institute’s endocrine outpatient clinic. For 3 months, empagliflozin, 25 mg once daily, was administered as an add?on treatment with metformin, teneligliptin, and glimepiride. In addition to clinical assessment, an Urdu-translated QoL instrument for Indian diabetes patients was used to conduct QoL study. The QoL outcomes prior to empagliflozin add?on were compared with those obtained at the conclusion of the 3 months of treatment. Results: Empagliflozin as an add?on therapy significantly improved various aspects of QoL like role limitation due to physical health, physical endurance, general health, symptom botherness, financial worries, emotional/mental health, and diet satisfaction (P < 0.001). It also improved glycemic and blood pressure parameters significantly. Conclusion: QoL is an essential measure with respect to patient?centered treatment approach. Empagliflozin, as an add?on medication, improved QoL, glycemic parameters and blood pressure in T2DM patients with hypertension. It can be recommended as an add?on, but more research with a larger sample size is required.

Pharmacoeconomic evaluation of empagliflozin in the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To conduct the pharmacoeconomic evaluation of empagliflozin in the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction （HFrEF），and to provide evidence-based reference for rational drug use and medical and healthy decision-making. METHODS A Markov model was used to perform a cost-effectiveness analysis of the regimen of empagliflozin in the treatment of HFrEF ，and to evaluate the cost and effectiveness of standard treatment plan plus empagliflozin （empagliflozin group）vs. standard treatment plan （standard treatment group ）. Clinical parameters were obtained from the EMPEROR-Reduced study；cost and utility data came from the published literatures. The cycle of the model was 1 month and the simulation time was 20 years. Single-factor sensitivity analysis and probability sensitivity analysis were performed to validate the results of cost-effectiveness analysis. RESULTS Compared with the standard treatment group ，each additional quality-adjusted life year in the empagliflozin group cost 37 995.94 yuan more ，which was less than China ’s 1 time GDP per capita in 2020（72 447 yuan）. The results of single factor sensitivity analysis showed that steady-state hospitalization rate of 2 groups was the most important factor affecting the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio . The results of probability sensitivity analysis showed that when the willingness-to-pay threshold （WTP）was 1 time GDP per capita in 2020（72 447 yuan），the probability of empagliflozin group with cost-effectiveness advantage was 58.8％；when the WTP was 3 times GDP per capita in 2020（217 341 yuan），the probability of empagliflozin group with cost-effectiveness advantage was 63.8％. CONCLUSIONS Compared with standard treatment plan alone，standard treatment plan plus empagliflozin is more cost-effective in the treatment of HFrEF. However ，the economic probability is not high.

The role of FGF21 in inhibition of heart failure with empagliflozin and related mechanisms / 药学学报

The aim of this study is to investigate the role of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in empagliflozin (EMP) in treatment of heart failure and the related mechanisms. FGF21 knockout (FGF21 KO) and littermate wild-type (WT) mice induced by doxorubicin (Dox) were used to establish heart failure mouse model in vivo. The experiment process and animal welfare follow the regulations of Animal Ethics Committee of Hefei University of Technology strictly. The results suggest that Dox (5 mg·kg-1) induced typical heart failure symptoms in both WT and FGF21 KO mice. In WT mice, EMP (10 mg·kg-1) significantly improved Dox-induced cardiac atrophy, decreased myocardial systolic function, decreased left ventricular ejection fraction and shortened fraction; EMP treatment also significantly inhibited the increase of Dox-induced cardiotoxicity indexes (aspartate amino transferase, creatine kinase, hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase) in mice. Dox induced cardiac fibrosis, inflammation and oxidative stress were also significantly improved by EMP. However, in FGF21 KO mice, the therapeutic effects of EMP on heart failure was significantly inhibited. The results suggest that the function of EMP in treating heart failure partly depends on the presence of FGF21, and the mechanism may be related to the effect of FGF21 on improving fibrosis, inflammation and oxidative stress.

Cardioprotective mechanism of SGLT2 inhibitor against myocardial infarction is through reduction of autosis

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce cardiovascular mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus but the protective mechanism remains elusive. Here we demonstrated that the SGLT2 inhibitor, Empagliflozin (EMPA), suppresses cardiomyocytes autosis (autophagic cell death) to confer cardioprotective effects. Using myocardial infarction (MI) mouse models with and without diabetes mellitus, EMPA treatment significantly reduced infarct size, and myocardial fibrosis, thereby leading to improved cardiac function and survival. In the context of ischemia and nutritional glucose deprivation where autosis is already highly stimulated, EMPA directly inhibits the activity of the Na+/H+ exchanger 1 (NHE1) in the cardiomyocytes to regulate excessive autophagy. Knockdown of NHE1 significantly rescued glucose deprivation-induced autosis. In contrast, overexpression of NHE1 aggravated the cardiomyocytes death in response to starvation, which was effectively rescued by EMPA treatment. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo analysis of NHE1 and Beclin 1 knockout mice validated that EMPA's cardioprotective effects are at least in part through downregulation of autophagic flux. These findings provide new insights for drug development, specifically targeting NHE1 and autosis for ventricular remodeling and heart failure after MI in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients.

Effect of Enpagliflozin on left ventricular function, blood glucose and lipid level in T2DM patients / 国际生物医学工程杂志

Objective:To study the effects of Empagliflozin on left ventricular function and the level of blood glucose and lipid in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.Methods:A total of 120 patients with T2DM complicated with cardiac function impairment were selected from Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital, Tianjin Medical University from December 2020 to May 2021. The diabetic patients were randomly divided into the observation group (60 cases) and control group (60 cases) by random number table method. Patients in the observation group were treated with Empagliflozin, while the control group underwent original hypoglycemic treatment. After the treatment, 6 cases were eliminated and 114 cases were completed, with 57 cases in each group. The changes of echocardiographic left ventricular function related indexes such as E/ e', left atrial volume index (LAVI), tricuspid regurgitation speed, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and laboratory indexes in the two groups were observed before and after treatment. The laboratory indexes checked include fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and how density lipoprotein (HDL). Results:The E/ e', LAVI of the observation groups was significantly lower than that of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). There were no significant changes in tricuspid regurgitation speed, LVEF, TG, TC, LDL and HDL levels between the two groups after the treatment (all P>0.05). After the treatment, the levels of FBG and HbA1c in the two groups decreased, but there was no significant difference between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions:Empagliflozin can effectively control the E/ e', LAVI of T2DM patients, and can early significant improvement of left ventricula diastolic function, which is very favorable for the patients. Along with good safety, Empagliflozin is suitable for clinical recommendation.

Efecto de terapias farmacológicas para el control glicémico en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en los desenlaces vasculares / Effect of pharmacological therapies for glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus on vascular outcomes

Resumen Introducción: en los últimos 5 años la publicación de conocimiento relacionado con la enfermedad vascular y la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DT2) ha ido en aumento. Sin embargo, debido a la ausencia de una revisión que recopilara todos los desenlaces vasculares de la DT2, la presente revisión de literatura tiene como objetivo agrupar todos los desenlaces vasculares relacionados con la DT2 y describir cómo la terapia farmacológica hipoglicemiante puede ser eficaz para lograr el control de estos desenlaces. Los eventos cardiovasculares como desenlace principal demuestran que los medicamentos antidiabéticos innovadores como la empagliflozina y la liraglutida pueden agregar un beneficio significativo para pacientes con DT2. Materiales y métodos: búsqueda sistemática de la literatura, de la cual se obtuvieron 141 referencias, después de eliminar duplicados, para la tamización pareada. Posterior a esto, se identificaron 2l referencias que cumplían con los criterios de inclusión para ser considerados en el análisis. Resultados: el efecto de un buen control glucémico, sobre los resultados clínicos, específicamente en la progresión de la enfermedad renal diabética, ha sido objetivo de múltiples estudios a gran escala, tanto en pacientes diabéticos tipo 1 como en diabéticos tipo 2. Los desenlaces micro y macrovasculares son los principales desenlaces de la DMT2, que incrementan la incidencia de comorbilidades y representan, a su vez, una mayor morbilidad. Conclusiones: dentro de las principales causas de morbilidad y mortalidad de los pacientes con DT2, se encuentran las relacionadas con daño vascular, en especial enfermedad cardiovascular y compromiso renal. En este contexto, el tratamiento farmacológico de la diabetes mellitus se ha enfocado en encontrar medicamentos que reduzcan de manera significativa los eventos cardiovasculares y que al mismo tiempo retrasen la aparición de nefropatía o su progresión. Las tiazolidinedionas, los inhibidores de DPP4 (alogliptina, saxagliptina y sitagliptina), la insulina glargina y degludec han demostrado seguridad cardiovascular, pero no beneficio cardiovascular incremental en pacientes con DT2 que tienen alto riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular aterosclerótica.

Abstract Introduction: In the last 5 years the publication of knowledge related to vascular disease and diabetes mellitus type 2 (DT2) has been increasing. However, due to the absence of a review that collects all the vascular outcomes of T2D, the current review of the literature aims to group all vascular outcomes related to T2D and describe how hypoglycemic drug therapy can be effective for the control of these outcomes. Cardiovascular events as the main outcome show that innovative antidiabetic drugs such as empagliflozin and liraglutide can add significant benefits for patients with T2D. Materials and methods: Systematic search of the literature, from which 141 references were obtained, after eliminating duplicates, for paired screening. Subsequently, 21 references were identified that met the inclusion criteria to be considered in the analysis. Results: The effect of good glycemic control on clinical outcomes, specifically in the progression of diabetic kidney disease, has been the objective of multiple large-scale studies, both in type 1 diabetic patients and type 2 diabetics and macrovascular outcome of the primary DMT2, increasing the incidence of comorbidities and in turn representing greater morbidity. Conclusions: Among the main causes of morbidity and mortality of patients with T2D, are those with vascular damage, especially cardiovascular disease and renal involvement. In this context, the pharmacological treatment of diabetes mellitus has focused on finding drugs that reduce the importance of cardiovascular events and that at the same time delay the onset of nephropathy or its progression. Thiazolidinediones, DPP4 inhibitors (alogliptin, saxagliptin and sitagliptin), insulin glargine and degludec have demonstrated cardiovascular safety, but not incremental cardiovascular benefits, in patients with T2D who are at high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis: another masquerader!

Euglycemic ketoacidosis is defined by the triad of euglycemia, metabolic acidosis and ketonemia or ketonuria. In the current era of diabetic management, it is a serious concern with the usage of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors potentiated by a number of precipitating agents. Empagliflozin though a novel oral hypoglycemic agent in this category may also lead to this potential complication. Here we report a 59 year old male, type 2 diabetic who was on empagliflozin and presented with euglycemic ketoacidosis after a binge of alcohol.

Design, Optimization And Evaluation Of Empagliflozin Orodispersible Tablets Using Different Superdisintegrants

Objective: The objective of this study was to formulate orodispersible tablets containing empagliflozin by direct compression method with sufficient hardness and rapid disintegration time and to study the effect of functionality differences of super-disintegrants on the tablet properties. Methods: A two factor three level factorial design (32) was used for the formulation optimization of orodispersible tablets of Empagliflozin and experimental trials were performed on all possible formulations, in which the amount of β-cyclodextrin, crospovidone and croscarmellose sodium were selected as independent variables (factor) varied at three different levels: low (-1), medium (0), and high (+1) levels. The drug release and disintegration time were used as dependent variables (response). All formulations were characterized for parameters such as diameter, hardness, weight, thickness, friability, disintegration time, drug release. Results: Formulation FD6 having 30 sec disintegration time, 98.84% drug release after 30 min, 2.8 kg/cm2 hardness and 0.292% friability was found best among all formulations and selected as an optimized formulation with rapid onset of action and enhanced bioavailability (more than 98% drug release within 30 min.) as compared to the oral empagliflozin tablet. Conclusion: Empagliflozin orodispersible tablets with different superdisintegrants were successfully prepared and formulation containing highest percentage of crospovidone was found best among all other formulations in terms of bioavailability and rapid onset of action.

Custo-efetividade da empagliflozina em pacientes com diabetes mellitus do tipo 2 com alto risco cardiovascular na perspectiva da saúde suplementar / Cost-effectiveness of empagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with high cardiovascular risk in the Brazilian private healthcare system perspective

Objetivo: Avaliar a custo-efetividade da empagliflozina adicionada ao cuidado usual para tratamento de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) no cenário da saúde suplementar brasileira. Métodos: Foi utilizada simulação de eventos discretos, com dados de efetividade baseados no estudo EMPA-REG OUTCOME. Foram incluídos pacientes com DM2 e alto risco cardiovascular (histórico de cardiopatia isquêmica, acidente vascular cerebral ou doença vascular periférica). O horizonte temporal foi o tempo de vida; a taxa de desconto foi de 5% ao ano. Os dados de utilidade foram predominantemente de estudos brasileiros. Para estimar os custos de eventos/condições com diferença estatisticamente significativa no EMPA-REG OUTCOME (insuficiência cardíaca, diálise, morte cardiovascular), foi feita uma revisão sistemática, que identificou estudos com dados da saúde suplementar. O limiar de disposição a pagar utilizado foi 1 produto interno bruto (PIB) per capita (2017: R$ 31.587). Foram conduzidas análises de sensibilidade determinísticas e probabilísticas. Resultados: No caso-base, a empagliflozina gerou ganho de 0,66 ano de vida ajustado para qualidade (QALY) na comparação com o cuidado usual, com acréscimo de R$ 12.630 e relação de custo-efetividade incremental (RCEI) de R$ 18.895/QALY. Na análise determinística, nenhuma variação de parâmetro resultou em RCEI acima do limiar. A análise probabilística teve RCEI média de R$ 19.878/QALY (intervalo de credibilidade de 2,5% a 97,5%: R$ 5.237-R$ 36.451). Considerando 1 PIB per capita, 50% das simulações seriam custo-efetivas; para 2 PIB per capita, o percentual ultrapassaria 90%. Conclusão: Considerando o limiar de custo-efetividade adotado, de 1 PIB per capita, a empagliflozina se mostrou custo-efetiva em relação ao cuidado usual na perspectiva da saúde suplementar brasileira.

Objective: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of empagliflozin added to usual care in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the private healthcare sector. Methods: We used a discrete events simulation model with effectiveness data based on the EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial. The population included patients with T2DM at high cardiovascular risk (history of ischemic heart disease, stroke, or peripheral vascular disease). A lifetime horizon and a 5% annual discount rate were used. The utility data used were predominantly from Brazilian studies. To estimate the cost of events/conditions with statistically significant difference in the EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial (heart failure, dialysis, cardiovascular death), a systematic review was performed to identify studies with data from the private healthcare system. A willingness-to-pay threshold of 1 GDP per capita (2017: R$ 31,587) was considered. Deterministic sensitivity analysis and a probabilistic sensitivity analysis were performed. Results: In the base case, empagliflozin generated incremental 0.66 QALY as compared to usual care, with an added cost of R$ 12,630 and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of R$ 18,895/QALY. None of the parameter variations evaluated by deterministic analysis generated ICERs above the cost-effectiveness threshold. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis revealed mean ICER of R$ 19,878/QALY (credibility interval 2.5% to 97.5%: R$ 5,237 to R$ 36,451). Considering 1 GDP per capita, 50% of the simulations would be cost-effective; considering 2 GDP per capita, over 90% would be cost-effective. Conclusion: Considering a threshold of 1 GDP per capita, the study shows that empagliflozin was cost-effective from the perspective of the Brazilian private healthcare sector.

Prevention of Major Adverse Cardiovascular and Renal Outcomes with Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors / 임상당뇨병

Management of hyperglycemia limits progression of microvascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). According to large-scale randomized control studies to demonstrate the cardiovascular safety of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors showed not only cardiovascular safety, but also cardiovascular benefits. Heart failure is adequately prevented by SGLT2 inhibitors regardless of history of heart failure. Additionally, SGLT inhibitors also showed renal protective benefits in slowing the decline of glomerular filtration rate and reducing proteinuria. SGLT2 inhibitors are beneficial to T2DM patients with established cardiovascular disease, high risk of heart failure, and renal impairment. As oral hypoglycemic agents, SGLT2 inhibitors not only control the serum glucose level, but also reduce the macrovascular complications of T2DM.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibition for the reduction of cardiovascular events in high-risk patients with diabetes mellitus

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) exhibit an increased risk for cardiovascular (CV) events. Hyperglycemia itself contributes to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and heart failure (HF) in these patients, but glucose-lowering strategies studied to date have had little or no impact on reducing CV risk, especially in patients with a long duration of T2DM and prevalent CV disease (CVD). Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are the new class of glucose-lowering medications that increase urinary glucose excretion, thus improving glycemic control, independent of insulin. The recently published CV outcome trial, Empagliflozin Cardiovascular Outcome Event Trial in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients—Removing Excess Glucose (EMPA-REG OUTCOME), demonstrated that the SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin significantly reduced the combined CV end point of CV death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and nonfatal stroke vs. placebo in a population of patients with T2DM and prevalent atherosclerotic CVD. In addition, and quite unexpectedly, empagliflozin significantly and robustly reduced the individual end points of CV death, overall mortality, and hospitalization for HF in this high-risk population. Several beneficial factors beyond glucose control, such as weight loss, lowering blood pressure, sodium depletion, renal hemodynamic effects, effects on myocardial energetics, and/or neurohormonal effects, have been seen with SGLT2 inhibition.

Normoglucemiantes orales y riesgo cardiovascular / Oral glucose-lowering drugs and cardiovascular risk

Resumen Introducción: la enfermedad cardiovascular es la principal causa de muerte en el mundo, así como la primera causa de morbilidad y mortalidad en pacientes con diabetes mellitus; por tanto, es importante conocer los diferentes medicamentos que existen hoy para el manejo de la diabetes mellitus y sus efectos, tanto positivos como negativos a nivel cardiovascular. De ahí que las diferentes sociedades y asociaciones científicas del mundo hayan emitido la recomendación de que todos los medicamentos para el tratamiento de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 deben ser evaluados y certificados como seguros a nivel cardiovascular. Metodología: se hizo una búsqueda ampliada de la literatura existente acerca de los antidiabéticos actuales y sus efectos cardiovasculares. Resultados: existen diferentes tipos de medicamentos que se han relacionado con disminución o aumento del riesgo cardiovascular. En la actualidad hay evidencia que relaciona la metformina (biguanida), la empagliflozina (inhibidor del cotransportador sodio- glucosa 2) y la liraglutide (análogo de péptido similar al glucagón) con menos muerte cardiovascular y eventos cardiovasculares en pacientes con enfermedad cardiovascular establecida. Conclusión: los pacientes con enfermedad cardiovascular conocida pueden tener un beneficio adicional seleccionando medicamentos hipoglucemiantes con un mejor perfil de seguridad cardiovascular.

Abstract Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death worldwide, as well as the first cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus. For these reasons it is important to know the different drugs currently available to manage diabetes mellitus and their positive and negative effects at cardiovascular level. Hence, different scientific societies and associations of the world have issued the recommendation that all drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus must be evaluated and certified as safe at cardiovascular level. Methodology: An extensive search was carried out on the existing literature on current antidiabetic drugs and their cardiovascular effects. Results: There are different types of drugs that are associated with a decrease or increase in cardiovascular risk. Currently, there is evidence that associated metformin (biguanide), empagliflozin (sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor), and liraglutide (a glucagon-like peptide analogue), with less cardiovascular deaths and cardiovascular events in patients with established cardiovascular disease. Conclusion: Patients with known cardiovascular disease may have an additional benefit in selecting glucose-lowering drugs with a better cardiovascular safety profile.

Empagliflozin: an exciting prospect in the treatment of diabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) continues to be a chronic and disabling disease that is associated with high mortality and morbidity. The epidemic burden of diabetes mellitus has increased in developing countries and Asia is considered as the “diabetic epicentre”. Type 2 diabetes (T2DM), is characterised by reduced secretion of insulin from pancreatic beta cells independently or associated with reduced response of peripheral tissues to circulating insulin. A proper glycaemic control is essential to delay the micro and macrovascular complications of T2DM. Standard anti-diabetic agents including insulin happen to induce minor to major adverse outcomes in certain populations over prolonged period of administration. Hence there has been a compelling need to develop newer and novel approach to treatment of T2DM. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors are a novel category of drugs that happen to reduce glycaemic overload by inducing glycosuria. The safety, efficacy and tolerability profile of these drugs were studied separately under various trials and was approved for use in August 2014 by US-FDA. This review is an attempt to describe the history of SGLT-2 inhibitors, their mechanism of action, safety and efficacy as well as its current status among anti-diabetic agents.

A Review on Efficacy and Safety of SGLT2 Inhibitors as Add-on Therapy with Metformin

BACKGROUND: The new type of diabetes treatment, SGLT2 inhibitors, has been approved for monotherapy and combination therapy, but medical insurance is only allowed in combination therapy with metformin, which is the first choice for type 2 diabetes treatment. METHODS: The SGLT2 inhibitors prescribed in Korea are dapagliflozin, empagliflozin and ipragliflozin. A review was conducted using Pubmed to evaluate efficacy and safety for these medications with metformin combination therapy. 10 studies were selected by searching for keywords and related references and were reviewed in full. The mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and the economics of treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors were examined. RESULTS: SGLT2 inhibitors had moderate glycemic control when added to the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes who were not being regulated by metformin monotherapy. They also showed positive effects such as weight loss, as well as the lowering of blood pressure. Hypotension and serious side effects were relatively low. However, the risk of genital infection was increased. CONCLUSION: The SGLT2 inhibitors are a new class of drugs that promote glucose excretion in the urine. They are a good choice for combination therapy with metformin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, with weight loss and very low risk of serious side effects.

How useful in the daily practice of nephrologists are the new antidiabetics with cadiovascular protection? / ¿Qué tan útiles en la práctica diaria para los nefrólogos son los nuevos antidiabéticos con protección cardiovascular?

Abstract In recent years, several new antidiabetic drugs have been developed, among which only two have demonstrated superiority in cardiovascular protection. They are liraglutide and empagliflozine, which belong, respectively, to GLP-1 RA and SGLT-2Í. These medications have also shown benefits in kidney protection. However, in a recent survey of the author among nephrologists in a large colombian city, it has been detected that most do not use these drugs. The greater resistance to the limitation in its use is due to the advanced stages of chronic kidney disease where they are contraindicated, but also to the anawareness of their potential benefits. In this regard, the nephrologists accepted they should learn more about these antidiabetic medicines, because the type of patient that is frequently attended in their consultation will undoubtly benefit, and considering they are obligated to handle the diabetic patient directly.

Resumen En los últimos años se han desarrollado nuevos fármacos antidiabéticos, entre los que sólo dos han demostrado superioridad en protección cardiovascular. Son liraglutida y empagliflozina, que pertenecen, respectivamente, a los grupos GLP-1 RA y SGLT-2Í. Estos medicamentos también han demostrado beneficios en nefroprotección. Sin embargo, en una reciente encuesta del autor entre nefrólogos, en una gran ciudad colombiana, se ha detectado que la mayoría no utilizan estos fármacos. La mayor resistencia a su uso se debe a consideraciones sobre su restricción en etapas avanzadas de la enfermedad renal crónica, pero también al desconocimiento de sus beneficios potenciales. Al respecto, los nefrólogos aceptaron que deberían aprender más acerca de estos medicamentos antidiabéticos, porque el tipo de paciente que frecuentemente asiste a su consulta sin duda se beneficiaría, y más teniendo en cuenta que por el gran número de diabéticos los nefrólogos están obligados a manejar directamente al paciente con esta patología.

Efectos renales y nefroprotección inducidos por el inhibidor del SGLT2 Empagliflozina en pacientes con diabetes mellitus: revisión de la literatura / Renal effects and nephroprotection induced by SGLT2 inhibitor Empagliflozin in patients with Diabetes Mellitus: a literature review

La insuficiencia renal es una comorbilidad frecuente en pacientes con diabetes mellitus (DM) e incrementa en ellos el riesgo cardiovascular; la hiperglucemia crónica en pacientes con DM induce una gran cantidad de alteraciones directas e indirectas en la estructura y la función renal, y constituye el principal factor para el desarrollo de la nefropatía diabética y la enfermedad renal terminal. En la presente revisión, se exponen los resultados de los estudios en los que se ha demostrado la alta tolerabilidad de empagliflozina en pacientes diabéticos con insuficiencia renal concomitante en estadios I a III. Empagliflozina, mediante la inhibición de SGLT2, ofrece una terapia novedosa con efectos benéficos no sólo sobre el control glucémico, sino también beneficios cardiovasculares y renales, los cuales han sido demostrados en el estudio EMPA-REG OUTCOME y continúan en evaluación en otros estudios

Chronic kidney disease is a frequent comorbidity in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and it increases their cardiovascular risk; chronic hyperglycemia in patients with DM leads to direct and indirect disorders in kidney's structure and function, and it is the principal risk factor for the development of diabetic nephropathy and end-stage renal disease. In the current review, results of studies are exposed in which high tolerability of empagliflozin is exposed in diabetic patients with kidney disease. Empagliflozin by inhibiting SGLT2 provides a novel therapy with benefic effects, not only in glycemic control, but it also has cardiovascular and renal benefits, which they have been demonstrated in the EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial, and continue in evaluation in other studies

Sodium-glucose co-transport 2 inhibitor decreases fasting plasma glucose level in impaired fasting glucose but not in normal glucose tolerance subjects / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Renal sodium-glucose co-transport 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) can reduce fasting plasma glucose (FPG) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus,but its effect on FPG and β-cell function in impaired fasting glucose (IFG) is unclear. The current article is the Chinses translation of an article entitled as"Inhibition of Renal Sodium-Glucose Co-Transport with Empagliflozin Lowers Fasting Plasma Glucose and Improves Beta Cell Function in Subjects With Impaired Fasting Glucose",which was published in "Diabetes" in September [Diabetes, 2017, 66:2495-2502],with the consent of"Diabetes". Eight subjects with IFG and eight subjects with normal FPG(NFG) were included in the study. 9-stage high glucose clamp test was done before and 48 hours,14 days after taking empagliflozin to quantitatively evaluate the effect of FPG reduction on islet β-cell function. The results showed that FPG concentration decreased only in IFG subjects from(110 ± 2)to(103 ± 3)mg/dl(P<0.01)after taking empagliflozin for 14 days,but the FPG remained unchanged[(95 ± 2) to(94 ± 2) mg/dl] in NFG subjects. The incremental area under the plasma C-peptide concentration curve during the hyperglycemic clamp increased by 22% ± 4% and 23% ± 4% in IFG subjects after 48 hours and 14 days,respectively(P<0.01);the plasma C-peptide response remained unchanged in NFG subjects. The insulin secretion/insulin sensitivity(disposition) index increased significantly in IFG,but not in NFG subjects. In conclusion,empagliflozin only reduces the FPG concentration and improves β-cell function in IFG.

SGLT2 versus DPP4 Inhibitors for Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-analysis / 医学研究杂志

Objective To compare the efficacy of empagliflozin and DDP4 inhibitors in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods With Computer,we retrieval PubMed,Cochrane Library,EMbase,CNKI,CBM and Wanfang database to find all of the randomized controlled trials about the effectiveness and safety of empagliflozin and DDP4 inhibitors in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.The retrieval time was from the establishment of database to March,2016.References screen were performed manually.Meta-analysis was carried out using RevMan 5.2 software.Results A total of five studies included 1935 cases.The Meta analysis results showed that:HbA1c level (MD =-0.07,95％ CI:-0.13--0.01,P ＜0.05),fasting blood glucose (MD =-16.73,95％ CI:-21.02--12.43,P ＜ 0.01),weight loss level (MD =-2.43 95％ CI:-2.68--2.19,P ＜ 0.01) in the two groups showed statistically significant differences.Empagliflozin group was better than DDP4 inhibitors group in reducing HbA1c level,fasting blood glucose,weight loss level.Safety:hypoglycemia between the two groups were similar (OR =0.86,95％ CI:0.46-1.6,P ＞ 0.05).Empagliflozin group's genital tract infection rate was statistically significant higher than that of DDP4 inhibitors.(OR =2.85,95％ CI:1.71-4.76,P ＜ 0.01).Conclusion Empagliflozin can effectively reduce the fasting blood glucose,HbAIc,and body weight,but increase the incidence of genital infection compare with DDP4 inhibitors.