Effect of SGLT2-Inhibitors on Epicardial Adipose Tissue: A Meta-Analysis

Cells. 2021 Aug 20;10(8):2150. doi: 10.3390/cells10082150.

Abstract

(1) Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2-i) reduce adipose tissue and cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Accumulation of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is associated with increased cardio-metabolic risks and obstructive coronary disease events in patients with T2D. (2) We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of SGLT2-i therapy on T2D patients, reporting data on changes in EAT after searching the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases. A random effects or fixed effects model meta-analysis was then applied. (3) Results: A total of three studies (n = 64 patients with SGLT2-i, n = 62 with standard therapy) were included in the final analysis. SGLT2 inhibitors reduced EAT (SMD: -0.82 (-1.49; -0.15); p < 0.0001). An exploratory analysis showed that HbA1c was significantly reduced with SGLT2-i use, while body mass index was not significantly reduced with this drug. (4) Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggests that the amount of EAT is significantly reduced in T2D patients with SGLT2-i treatment.

Keywords: epicardial adipose tissue; meta-analysis; sodium–glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / drug effects*
  • Adipose Tissue / metabolism
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / blood
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / complications
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / blood
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / complications
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / drug therapy*
  • Glycated Hemoglobin / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Glycated Hemoglobin / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care / methods
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Pericardium / drug effects*
  • Pericardium / metabolism
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Risk Factors
  • Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Glycated Hemoglobin A
  • Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors