First-Line Sodium Glucose Co-transporter 2 Inhibitors: Physicochemical Properties and Measurement in Biological Fluids

Abstract

Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT 2) inhibitors represent a new class of glucose-lowering drugs that act through the inhibition of glucose reabsorption at the proximal tubular cells of the kidney. The objective of the study was to provide most current information on the physicochemical properties and analytical methods of determination in biological matrices of the first-line sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT 2) inhibitors. The methodology of literature search entailed obtaining information from published works in scientific journals, official books and the internet websites. The results of the study show that these first-line therapeutic agents selectively inhibit the reabsorption of glucose in the kidney by almost 30-50 percent. Apart from their effects on carbohydrate homeostasis, they also affect human metabolism by decreasing blood pressure, arterial stiffness, body weight, serum concentrations of insulin. They increase glucagon concentration thus shifting energy metabolism towards the utilization of fatty acids and ketone bodies. They have also been found to preserve renal function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease. In conclusion, these therapeutic agents exhibit significant cardio-protective and renoprotective effects by their mechanism of action.