SGLT-2 Inhibition: Novel Therapeutics for Reno-and Cardioprotection in Diabetes Mellitus

Curr Diabetes Rev. 2019;15(5):349-356. doi: 10.2174/1573399814666180417121246.

Abstract

Background: The sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) is primarily located within S1 of the renal proximal tubule being responsible for approximately 90% of glucose re-uptake in the kidney. Inhibition of SGLT2 is an exciting new pharmacological approach for the reduction of blood glucose in type 2 diabetic patients via inhibition of tubular glucose reabsorption. In addition to lowering glucose, this group of drugs has shown significant cardiovascular and renal protective effects.

Conclusion: This review aims to outline the current state of preclinical research and clinical trials for different SGLT2 inhibitors and outline some of the proposed mechanisms of action, including possible effects on sympathetic nerve activity, which may contribute to the unexpected beneficial cardiovascular and reno-protective effects of this class of compounds.

Keywords: SGLT-2; cardiovascular and renoprotection; diabetic micro-and macrovascular complications; reactive oxygen species; sympathetic nerves; therapeutics..

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blood Glucose
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / complications
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / prevention & control
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / complications
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Kidney Diseases* / complications
  • Kidney Diseases* / prevention & control
  • Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2
  • Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2
  • Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors