Changes In Urinary Albumin-to-creatinine Ratio Research Articles

Effects of 3-month liraglutide treatment on oxidative stress and inflammation in type 2 diabetes patients with different urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio categories

This study evaluates the effects of liraglutide on albuminuria, oxidative stress, and inflammation in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients with different urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) categories. We enrolled 107 patients with T2D who were initiating liraglutide for glycemic control. Patients were categorized into 3 groups: group I (UACR < 30 mg/g); group II (30 mg/g ≤ UACR ≤ 300 mg/g); group III (UACR > 300 mg/g). We observed the changes in body mass index, fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin, lipid profile, serum liver enzymes, creatinine, uric acid, cystatin C, UACR, as well as oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase before and after 3 months of liraglutide treatment. After 3-month liraglutide treatment, fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and body mass index significantly decreased in all 3 groups regardless of the baseline UACR (all P < .05). UACR significantly decreased in groups II (P = .005) and III (P = .001). Patients with higher UACR at baseline showed significantly greater albuminuria reduction (P < .001). Compared with baseline, TNF-α, IL-6, MCP-1, and MDA were remarkably decreased, while SOD and glutathione peroxidase were significantly increased in all 3 groups (P < .05). UACR at baseline showed a positive correlation with TNF-α, IL-6, and MDA, and a negative correlation with SOD at baseline. The change in UACR was negatively correlated with UACR, TNF-α, and MDA at baseline, while it was positively correlated with SOD at baseline, and also positively correlated with the change in MCP-1. Liraglutide ameliorated albuminuria in T2D patients with microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria. The renoprotective effect of liraglutide was associated with the alleviation of oxidative stress and inflammation. These findings may provide new therapeutic strategies for patients with diabetic kidney disease.

Protocol and rationale for a randomized controlled SGLT2 inhibitor trial in pediatric and young adult populations with chronic kidney disease: DOUBLE PRO-TECT Alport.

Clinical trials have demonstrated positive cardiovascular and kidney outcomes of sodium-glucose-co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in adult patients with diabetic and other chronic kidney diseases (CKD). Whether benefits extend to children, teenagers, and young adults with early-stage CKD is unknown. For this reason, the DOUBLE PRO-TECT Alport trial (NCT05944016) will study the progression of albuminuria in young patients with Alport syndrome (AS), the most common hereditary CKD, to assess the safety and efficacy of the SGLT2-inhibitor dapagliflozin. Patients living with AS and chronically elevated albuminuria have a high risk of kidney failure before the age of 50 years. DOUBLE PRO-TECT Alport is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (RCT). Participants (aged 10 to 39 years) must have a diagnosis of AS by genetic testing or kidney biopsy, be on a stable (> 3 months) maximum tolerated dose of a renin-angiotensin-system-inhibitor (RASi) and must have a Urinary Albumin to Creatinine Ratio (UACR) of >300 mg/g (pediatric) or >500 mg/g (adult).Eligible participants will be randomly assigned at a 2:1 ratio to 48 weeks of treatment with dapaglifozin 10 mg/day -to- matched placebo. Most participants are expected to be children with a normal glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). In addition to safety, the primary (change in UACR from baseline to Week 48) and key secondary (eGFR change from baseline to Week 52) efficacy outcomes will be analyzed with a mixed model repeated measures approach. Efficacy analyses will be performed primarily in the full analysis set according to the intention-to-treat principle. A sensitivity analysis will be performed using reference-based multiple imputation. DOUBLE PRO-TECT Alport will assess whether SGLT2-inhibitors can safely reduce change from baseline in UACR as a marker for progression of CKD in young patients living with AS.

Real-World Clinical Effectiveness of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist on Mild-to-Moderate Diabetic Kidney Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Retrospective, Single-Arm Clinical Trial.

Cardiovascular outcome trials indicate renal benefits of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs); however, real-world efficacy and safety studies in Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) are scarce. This retrospective, single-arm real-world trial involved adults with DKD treated with GLP-1RA for at least 6 months. The primary endpoint was hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels after 6 months. This study included a total of 364 patients with DKD, 153 (42.0%) of whom were female. The median disease duration was 8.0 years, and the mean values of age, HbA1c level, body mass index, and the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) were 52.1 years, 8.6%, 27.8 kg/m2, and 88.0 mg/g, respectively. Additionally, 73.6% and 26.4% of patients had mild and moderate DKD, respectively. Following 6 months of GLP-1RA treatment, the mean HbA1c level and UACR declined by 1.77% and 40.3%, respectively (both p < 0.001). Compared to their baseline values, patients exhibited significant improvements in 24-h urinary protein, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), fasting blood glucose, body weight, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (all p < 0.001). Patients with a disease duration of <10 years had more pronounced changes in the HbA1c level, UACR, and eGFR (all p < 0.001) than those with a disease duration of ≥10 years. Changes in SBP and DBP were more pronounced in patients also taking angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers (ACEis/ARBs) than in those not taking ACEis/ARBs, whereas the changes in UACR and eGFR did not significantly differ. Six-month GLP-1RA treatment improves glucose, blood pressure, lipids, and body weight in patients with mild-to-moderate DKD while slowing down kidney disease progression. It independently reduces proteinuria beyond ACEi/ARB impact, with early use yielding faster outcomes, supporting evidence-based practice.

Effectiveness of DialBetesPlus, a self-management support system for diabetic kidney disease: Randomized controlled trial

We evaluated the effectiveness of a mobile health (mHealth) intervention for diabetic kidney disease patients by conducting a 12-month randomized controlled trial among 126 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with moderately increased albuminuria (urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR): 30-299 mg/g creatinine) recruited from eight clinical sites in Japan. Using a Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) behavior change theory framework, the intervention provides patients detailed information in order to improve patient control over exercise and dietary behaviors. In addition to standard care, the intervention group received DialBetesPlus, a self-management support system allowing patients to monitor exercise, blood glucose, diet, blood pressure, and body weight via a smartphone application. The primary outcome, change in UACR after 12 months (used as a surrogate measure of renal function), was 28.8% better than the control group’s change (P = 0.029). Secondary outcomes also improved in the intervention group, including a 0.32-point better change in HbA1c percentage (P = 0.041). These improvements persisted when models were adjusted to account for the impacts of coadministration of drugs targeting albuminuria (GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT-2 inhibitors, ACE inhibitors, and ARBs) (UACR: −32.3% [95% CI: −49.2%, −9.8%] between-group difference in change, P = 0.008). Exploratory multivariate regression analysis suggests that the improvements were primarily due to levels of exercise. This is the first trial to show that a lifestyle intervention via mHealth achieved a clinically-significant improvement in moderately increased albuminuria.

Study to evaluate the effect of Tangshen Fang combined with guideline‐directed medical treatment on the quality of life and clinical outcomes in patients with diabetic nephropathy: A clinical trial on constructing a novel paradigm of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy

AbstractBackgroundDiabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the most common microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus and has become the primary cause of end‐stage renal disease in China. In patients with severe renal insufficiency, Western medical treatments often yield unsatisfactory results. Preliminary studies have indicated that the Chinese herbal formula Tangshen Fang improves estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients with DKD.Methods/designThis is a multicenter, randomized, open‐label, controlled clinical trial. DKD patients with eGFR levels between 25 and 75 mL/min (1.73 m2) and urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (UACR) ≥ 30 mg/g, or eGFR level between 25 and 60 mL/min (1.73 m2) and UACR &lt;30 mg will be included. A total of 144 participants will be randomly allocated to the treatment group (Tangshen Fang plus standard Western medicine with or without other traditional Chinese medicine [TCM]) and the control group (standard Western medicine with or without other TCM) at a 1:1 ration. The study duration will be 24 weeks and the follow‐up period will be extended to 96 weeks. The primary endpoint will be the change in eGFR from baseline to week 24. Secondary endpoints will include changes in UACR, body weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, lipid levels, fasting plasma glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and improvement in TCM symptoms and quality of life. Adverse events will also be evaluated.DiscussionThis study will provide evidence of the effectiveness and safety of Tangshen Fang in treating patients with DKD. It will also form the clinical pathway and expert consensus on integrating traditional Chinese and Western medicine for DKD and provide clinical evidence for the rational use of hospital preparations of Tangshen Fang.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trials Registry, ChiCTR2300069269. Registered March 10, 2023.

Efficacy and safety of aldosterone synthase inhibition with and without empagliflozin for chronic kidney disease: a randomised, controlled, phase 2 trial

Excess aldosterone accelerates chronic kidney disease progression. This phase 2 clinical trial assessed BI 690517, an aldosterone synthase inhibitor, for efficacy, safety, and dose selection. This was a multinational, randomised, controlled, phase 2 trial. People aged 18 years or older with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 30 to less than 90 mL/min/1·73 m2, a urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) of 200 to less than 5000 mg/g, and serum potassium of 4·8 mmol/L or less, taking an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker, were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to 8 weeks of empagliflozin or placebo run-in, followed by a second randomisation (1:1:1:1) to 14 weeks of treatment with once per day BI 690517 at doses of 3 mg, 10 mg, or 20 mg, or placebo. Study participants, research coordinators, investigators, and the data coordinating centre were masked to treatment assignment. The primary endpoint was the change in UACR measured in first morning void urine from baseline (second randomisation) to the end of treatment. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05182840) and is completed. Between Feb 18 and Dec 30, 2022, of the 714 run-in participants, 586 were randomly assigned to receive BI 690517 or placebo. At baseline, 33% (n=196) were women, 67% (n=390) were men, 42% (n=244) had a racial identity other than White, and mean participant age was 63·8 years (SD 11·3). Mean baseline eGFR was 51·9 mL/min/1·73 m2 (17·7) and median UACR was 426 mg/g (IQR 205 to 889). Percentage change in first morning void UACR from baseline to the end of treatment at week 14 was -3% (95% CI -19 to 17) with placebo, -22% (-36 to -7) with BI 690517 3 mg, -39% (-50 to -26) with BI 690517 10 mg, and -37% (-49 to -22) with BI 690517 20 mg monotherapy. BI 690517 produced similar UACR reductions when added to empagliflozin. Investigator-reported hyperkalaemia occurred in 10% (14/146) of those in the BI 690517 3 mg group, 15% (22/144) in the BI 690517 10 mg group, and 18% (26/146) in the BI 690517 20 mg group, and in 6% (nine of 147) of those receiving placebo, with or without empagliflozin. Most participants with hyperkalaemia did not require intervention (86% [72/84]). Adrenal insufficiency was an adverse event of special interest reported in seven of 436 study participants (2%) receiving BI 690517 and one of 147 participants (1%) receiving matched placebo. No treatment-related deaths occurred during the study. BI 690517 dose-dependently reduced albuminuria with concurrent renin-angiotensin system inhibition and empagliflozin, suggesting an additive efficacy for chronic kidney disease treatment without unexpected safety signals. Boehringer Ingelheim.

DAPagliflozin for the attenuation of albuminuria in Patients with hEaRt failure and type 2 diabetes (DAPPER study): a multicentre, randomised, open-label, parallel-group, standard treatment-controlled trial

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) in patients with elevated levels of albuminuria in the presence or absence of heart failure (HF) or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). However, these effects have not yet been reported in the presence of both HF and T2D. This lack of evidence prompted us to conduct a clinical trial on the effects of dapagliflozin on UACR in patients with HF and T2D. DAPPER is a multicentre, randomised, open-labeled, parallel-group, standard treatment-controlled trial that enrolled patients at 18 medical facilities in Japan. Eligible participants with both HF and T2D and aged between 20 and 85 years were randomly assigned to a dapagliflozin or control (anti-diabetic drugs other than SGLT 2 inhibitors) group with a 1:1 allocation. The primary outcome was changes in UACR from baseline after a two-year observation, and secondary endpoints were cardiovascular (CV) events and parameters related to HF. This trial was registered with the UMIN-CTR registry, UMIN000025102 and the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials, jRCTs051180135. Between 12 May 2017 and 31 March 2020, 294 patients were randomly assigned to the dapagliflozin group (n=146) or control group (n=148). The mean age of patients was 72.1 years and 29% were female. The mean glycated hemoglobin value was 6.9%, mean NT-proBNP was 429.1pg/mL, mean estimated GFR was 65.7mL/min/1.73m2, and median UACR was 25.0 (8.8-74.6) mg/g Cr in the dapagliflozin group and 25.6 (8.2-95.0) mg/g Cr in the control group. Of the 146 patients in the dapagliflozin group, 122 completed the study, and 107 (87.7%) were taking 5mg of dapagliflozin daily at the end of the observation period. The primary outcome did not significantly differ between the dapagliflozin and control groups. Among the secondary endpoints, the mean decrease in left ventricular end-diastolic dimensions as one of the echocardiographic parameters was larger in the dapagliflozin group than in the control group. The composite endpoint, defined as CV death or hospitalisation for CV events, hospitalisation for HF events, hospitalisation for all causes, and an additional change in prescriptions for heart failure in a two-year observation, was less frequent in the dapagliflozin group than in the control group. Although dapagliflozin at a dose of 5mg daily did not reduce urinary albumin excretion in patients with HF and T2D from that in the controls, our findings suggest that dapagliflozin decreased CV events and suppressed left ventricular remodeling. AstraZeneca KK, Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Association between 1-year changes in urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio and kidney disease progression in Japanese individuals with diabetes: a historical cohort study

BackgroundThe National Kidney Foundation recently proposed a ≥ 30% decrease in urinary albumin–to–creatinine ratio (UACR) over 0.5–2 years as a surrogate endpoint for chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression in individuals with baseline UACR > 30 mg/g. This historical cohort study aimed to determine the applicability of a decrease in UACR, within as little as 1 year, as a surrogate endpoint for Japanese individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D).MethodsA total of 5067 individuals with T2D were divided into three groups based on 1-year change in UACR: ≥ 30% decrease (UACR decreased group), < 30% decrease and < 30% increase (UACR unchanged group), or ≥ 30% increase (UACR increased group). The primary endpoint was a composite of a ≥ 30% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or the initiation of kidney replacement therapy, whichever occurred first.ResultsAt baseline, the proportions of individuals with normoalbuminuria, microalbuminuria, and eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were 68.1%, 22.1%, and 75.5%, respectively. During a median follow-up of 6.8 years, 926 individuals (18.3%) reached the composite endpoint. Adjusted hazard ratios (vs. the UACR unchanged group) for the UACR decreased and increased groups were 0.758 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.636–0.905; P = 0.002) and 1.304 (95% CI, 1.108–1.536; P = 0.001), respectively.ConclusionsThese findings support the use of 1-year changes in UACR as a surrogate endpoint for the progression of CKD and the implementation of a ≥ 30% decrease in UACR as a positive efficacy endpoint in Japanese individuals with T2D and early-stage kidney disease.

Mediators between canagliflozin and renoprotection vary depending on patient characteristics: Insights from the CREDENCE trial.

To identify the mediators between canagliflozin and renoprotection in patients with type 2 diabetes at a high risk of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). 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. 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. The renoprotective effects of canagliflozin in patients at a high risk of ESKD can be significantly explained by changes in RBC variablesand UACR. The complementary mediating effects of RBC variables and UACR may support the renoprotective effect of canagliflozin in different patient groups.

Effects of dapagliflozin on renal function in type 1 diabetes patients in the real world: A retrospective multicenter study of the KAMOGAWA-A cohort

AimsThis study aimed to investigate the effects of dapagliflozin on renal function of type 1 diabetes patients. MethodsThis retrospective multicenter cohort study enrolled 295 type 1 diabetes patients. The primary outcome was defined as the change in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) after 24 months of dapagliflozin treatment. The secondary outcomes were defined as the changes in HbA1c, daily insulin dosage, and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) after 24 months. ResultsFinally, 255 patients were included in the final analysis (dapagliflozin group; 76 patients, non-use group; 179 patients), with a median eGFR of 74.0 mL/min/1.73 m2. A 1:1 propensity score matching was performed, and 142 patients were analyzed in a linear mixed model. The least squares mean change in eGFR in the dapagliflozin group was −3.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 (95% CI: −5.62 to −0.66), a significantly smaller decrease than in the non-use group (-6.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 (95% CI: −9.39 to −4.50)) (p = 0.032). HbA1c level, total insulin dose, and UACR change were significantly lower in the dapagliflozin group than in the non-use group. ConclusionsAt 24 months, the decline in eGFR was significantly lower in the dapagliflozin group than in the non-use group without increasing diabetic ketoacidosis and hypoglycemia.

Associations of FGF23 with 10-Year Change in eGFR and UACR and with Incident CKD in the CARDIA Cohort.

The relationship of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) with incident chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been examined in older but not younger populations. Linear regression models were used to examine the associations of c-terminal FGF23 (cFGF23) and intact FGF23 (iFGF23) with 10-year change (1995-96 to 2005-06) in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) cohort. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the association of cFGF23 with incident CKD, defined as eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 or UACR ≥ 30 mg/g. Multivariable models adjusted for age, sex, race, education, field center, physical activity, body mass index, diabetes, smoking, and systolic blood pressure. Among 2511 participants, the mean age was 45 ± 3.6 years, mean eGFR was 96.5 ± 14.0 ml/min/1.73 m2, median UACR was 4.3 (IQR, 3.0 - 6.7) mg/g. Most (62.6%) participants were non-smokers, the prevalence of diabetes was low (6.6%), and median values for 10-year changes in eGFR and UACR were modest (-5.50 ml/min/1.73 m2 and 0.70 mg/g, respectively). No consistent associations between cFGF23 and 10-year change in eGFR and UACR were observed. During a median follow up of 9.98 years, incident CKD developed in 258 participants. There was a non-linear association of cFGF23 with incident CKD, and relative to lowest quartile of cFGF23, significant relationship detected only among participants in the highest quartile (hazard ratio 1.58, 95% confidence interval [1.09, 2.27]). Similar findings were observed for iFGF23. Among middle-aged adults in the CARDIA cohort, median eGFR and UACR changes were modest and cFGF23 and iFGF23 were not consistently associated with 10-year change in eGFR or UACR. A non-linear relationship was observed between cFGF23 and incident CKD, with individuals with highest cFGF23 levels being at risk for developing CKD.

Changes in urinary albumin as a surrogate for kidney disease progression in people with type 2 diabetes.

It remains unclear whether urinary albumin changes can predict subsequent kidney disease progression in people with diabetes. This retrospective cohort study included 4570 Japanese adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The exposure was changes in urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) over 3years, categorized into three categories: ≤ -30%, minor change, or ≥ 30%. During the exposure period, eGFR decline was also examined and categorized into two categories: < 30% or ≥ 30% decline. The primary outcome was the composite of eGFR halving or initiation of kidney replacement therapy (KRT). The secondary outcome was the initiation of KRT. In the spline model, the hazard ratio for the primary outcome increased linearly on the log2 scale of UACR changes. When classified into six groups based on the categories of UACR changes and eGFR decline, people with a ≤ -30% UACR change and < 30% eGFR decline had a 38% lower incidence of the outcome compared to those with a minor UACR change and < 30% eGFR decline. Meanwhile, the risk in those with a ≤ -30% UACR change and ≥ 30% eGFR decline was 2.89 times. People with a ≥ 30% UACR change had the higher risk, regardless of whether a ≥ 30% eGFR decline occurred. Similar results were obtained in the secondary outcome. UACR changes can be a useful surrogate for kidney disease progression in people with T2D. However, when setting a decrease in UACR as the surrogate, it may be necessary to simultaneously evaluate kidney function decline.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Effect on Albuminuria Progression in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Rationale: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with impaired glycemic control and a higher risk of vascular complications, such as diabetic kidney disease (DKD). However, the effect of apnea-hypopnea suppression on DKD progression is unclear. Objectives: To assess the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) in patients with DKD and OSA. Methods: In a 52-week, multicentric, open-label, parallel, and randomized clinical trial, 185 patients with OSA and DKD were randomized to CPAP and usual care (n = 93) or usual care alone (n = 92). Measurements and Main Results: UACR, estimated glomerular filtration rate, serum concentrations of creatinine and glycated hemoglobin, insulin resistance, lipid concentrations, sleepiness, and quality of life. A 52-week change in UACR from baseline did not differ significantly between the CPAP group and the usual-care group. However, in per-protocol analyses that included 125 participants who met prespecified criteria for adherence, CPAP treatment was associated with a great reduction in UACR (mean difference, -10.56% [95% confidence interval, -19.06 to -2.06]; P = 0.015). CPAP effect on UACR was higher in nonsleepy patients with more severe OSA, worse renal function, and a more recent diagnosis of DKD. CPAP treatment also improved glycemic control and insulin resistance, as well as sleepiness and health-related quality of life. Conclusions: In patients with OSA and DKD, the prescription of CPAP did not result in a statistically significant reduction in albuminuria. However, good adherence to CPAP treatment in addition to usual care may result in long-term albuminuria reduction compared with usual care alone. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02816762).

Albuminuria-Lowering Effect of Dapagliflozin, Eplerenone, and Their Combination in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial.

Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) reduce the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) and confer kidney and cardiovascular protection in patients with CKD. We assessed efficacy and safety of the SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin and MRA eplerenone alone and in combination in patients with CKD. We conducted a randomized open-label crossover trial in patients with urinary albumin excretion ≥100 mg/24 hr, eGFR 30-90 ml/min per 1.73 m2, who had been receiving maximum tolerated stable doses of an ACE inhibitor (ACEi) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). Patients were assigned to 4-week treatment periods with dapagliflozin 10 mg/day, eplerenone 50 mg/day, or their combination in random order, separated by 4-week washout periods. Primary outcome was the correlation in UACR changes between treatments. Secondary outcome was the percent change in 24-hour UACR from baseline. Of 57 patients screened, 46 were randomly assigned (mean eGFR, 58.1 ml/min per 1.73 m2; median UACR, 401 mg/g) to the three groups. Mean percentage change from baseline in UACR after 4 weeks of treatment with dapagliflozin, eplerenone, and dapagliflozin-eplerenone was -19.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], -34.3 to -1.5), -33.7% (95% CI, -46.1 to -18.5), and -53% (95% CI, -61.7 to -42.4; P<0.001 versus dapagliflozin; P=0.01 versus eplerenone). UACR change during dapagliflozin or eplerenone treatment did not correlate with UACR change during dapagliflozin-eplerenone (r=-0.13; P=0.47; r=-0.08; P=0.66, respectively). Hyperkalemia was more frequently reported with eplerenone (n=8; 17.4%) compared with dapagliflozin (n=0; 0%) or dapagliflozin-eplerenone (n=2; 4.3%; P between-groups=0.003). Albuminuria changes in response to dapagliflozin and eplerenone did not correlate, supporting systematic rotation of these therapies to optimize treatment. Combining dapagliflozin with eplerenone resulted in a robust additive UACR-lowering effect. A larger trial in this population is required to confirm long-term efficacy and safety of combined SGLT2 inhibitor and MRA treatment. European Union Clinical Trials Register, EU 2017-004641-25.

Rationale, design and baseline characteristics of the effect of canagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes and microalbuminuria in the Japanese population: The CANPIONE study.

AimTo evaluate the effect of canagliflozin, a sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, on albuminuria and the decline of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in participants with type 2 diabetes and microalbuminuria.MethodsThe CANPIONE study is a multicentre, randomized, parallel‐group and open‐labelled study consisting of a unique 24‐week preintervention period, during which the rate of eGFR decline before intervention is estimated, followed by a 52‐week intervention and a 4‐week washout period. Participants with a geometric mean urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (UACR) of 50 and higher and less than 300 mg/g in two consecutive first‐morning voids at two different time points, and an eGFR of 45 ml/min/1.73m2 or higher, are randomly assigned to receive canagliflozin 100 mg daily or to continue guideline‐recommended treatment, except for SGLT2 inhibitors. The first primary outcome is the change in UACR, and the second primary outcome is the change in eGFR slope.ResultsA total of 258 participants were screened and 98 were randomized at 21 sites in Japan from August 2018 to May 2021. The mean baseline age was 61.4 years and 25.8% were female. The mean HbA1c was 7.9%, mean eGFR was 74.1 ml/min/1.73m2 and median UACR was 104.2 mg/g.ConclusionsThe CANPIONE study will determine whether the SGLT2 inhibitor canagliflozin can reduce albuminuria and slow eGFR decline in participants with type 2 diabetes and microalbuminuria.

MO621: Effectiveness of Adjuvant Astragalus for Diabetic Kidney Disease: Interim Analysis of A Pragmatic Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS More regimens targeting different mechanisms are needed for the residual risk of renal progression among diabetic kidney disease (DKD) patients. Although in vivo and in vitro studies suggested that add-on astragalus, a commonly used Chinese medicine, could retard renal progression in chronic kidney diseases, its effect on DKD is unclear. METHOD This assessor-blind, add-on, randomized, controlled, parallel, pragmatic trial evaluates the effect of 48 weeks of oral astragalus granules on 118 patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 30–90 mL/min/1.73 m2 and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) of 34–565 mg/mmol. Primary endpoints are the changes in eGFR and UACR between baseline and treatment endpoint. Outcomes are analyzed as intention-to-treat by mixed-effect regression models, adjusting the baseline values of quantitative outcomes, allocation, visit and the interaction between allocation and visit. RESULTS Recruitment started in July 2018. Baseline demographics are comparable between groups. The mean age is 67.9 years and 35.6% are female. Baseline eGFR is 58.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 and the geometric mean of the baseline UACR is 124.5 mg/mmol. From the first 60 patients who have completed the 48-week study period, the endpoint eGFR is 56.2 and 52.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 {intergroup difference: 3.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 [95% confidence interval (CI) −0.3–7.1], P = 0.071} after receiving add-on astragalus and standard care alone, respectively. The endpoint UACR is 138.4 and 116.8 mg/mmol [proportional difference: 1.19 (95% CI 0.91–1.54)] after receiving add-on astragalus and standard care alone, respectively. Four patients developed serious adverse events in each arm. The most common adverse events are edema, syncope and hyperkalemia. CONCLUSION Our interim analysis suggests that add-on astragalus treatment has a trend of stabilizing eGFR among DKD patients with macroalbuminuria.

Finerenone in Predominantly Advanced CKD and Type 2 Diabetes With or Without Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitor Therapy

IntroductionFIDELIO-DKD (FInerenone in reducing kiDnEy faiLure and dIsease prOgression in Diabetic Kidney Disease) investigated the nonsteroidal, selective mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonist finerenone in patients with CKD and type 2 diabetes (T2D). This analysis explores the impact of use of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT-2i) on the treatment effect of finerenone.MethodsPatients (N = 5674) with T2D, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) of 30 to 5000 mg/g and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 25 to <75 ml/min per 1.73 m2 receiving optimized renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade were randomized to finerenone or placebo. Endpoints were change in UACR and a composite kidney outcome (time to kidney failure, sustained decrease in eGFR ≥40% from baseline, or renal death) and key secondary cardiovascular outcomes (time to cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or hospitalization for heart failure) (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02540993).ResultsOf 5674 patients, 259 (4.6%) received an SGLT-2i at baseline. Reduction in UACR with finerenone was found with or without use of SGLT-2i at baseline, with ratio of least-squares means of 0.69 (95% CI = 0.66–0.71) and 0.75 (95% CI -= 0.62–0.90), respectively (Pinteraction = 0.31). Finerenone also significantly reduced the kidney and key secondary cardiovascular outcomes versus placebo; there was no clear difference in the results by SGLT-2i use at baseline (Pinteraction = 0.21 and 0.46, respectively) or at any time during the trial. Safety was balanced with or without SGLT-2i use at baseline, with fewer hyperkalemia events with finerenone in the SGLT-2i group (8.1% vs. 18.7% without).ConclusionUACR improvement was observed with finerenone in patients with CKD and T2D already receiving SGLT-2is at baseline, and benefits on kidney and cardiovascular outcomes appear consistent irrespective of use of SGLT-2i.

Effect of dapagliflozin on urinary albumin excretion in patients with chronic kidney disease with and without type 2 diabetes: a prespecified analysis from the DAPA-CKD trial

Reductions in albuminuria are associated with a subsequent lower risk of kidney failure in patients with chronic kidney disease. The SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin significantly reduced albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes and normal or near-normal kidney function. Whether this effect persists in patients with chronic kidney disease with and without type 2 diabetes is unknown. We assessed the effects of dapagliflozin on albuminuria in patients with chronic kidney disease with and without type 2 diabetes in the dapagliflozin and prevention of adverse outcomes in chronic kidney disease (DAPA-CKD) trial. DAPA-CKD was a multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial done at 386 sites in 21 countries. Patients were eligible for the trial if they had chronic kidney disease, defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between 25 mL/min per 1·73 m2 and 75 mL/min per 1·73 m2 and a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) between 200 mg/g and 5000 mg/g (22·6 to 565·6 mg/mmol). Participants were randomly assigned to dapagliflozin 10 mg (AstraZeneca; Gothenburg, Sweden) once daily or matching placebo, in accordance with the sequestered, fixed randomisation schedule, using balanced blocks to ensure an approximate 1:1 ratio. Change in albuminuria was a pre-specified exploratory outcome of DAPA-CKD. Regression in UACR stage, defined as a transition from macroalbuminuria (≥300 mg/g) to microalbuminuria or normoalbuminuria (<300 mg/g), and progression in UACR stage, defined as a transition from less than 3000 mg/g to 3000 mg/g or greater, were additional discrete endpoints. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03036150. Between Feb 2, 2017, and April 3, 2020, 4304 patients were recruited and randomly assigned to either dapagliflozin (n=2152) or placebo (n=2152). Median UACR was 949 mg/g (IQR 477 to 1885). Overall, compared with placebo, dapagliflozin reduced geometric mean UACR by 29·3% (95% CI -33·1 to -25·2; p<0·0001); relative to placebo, treatment with dapagliflozin resulted in a geometric mean percentage change of -35·1% (95% CI -39·4 to -30·6; p<0·0001) in patients with type 2 diabetes and -14·8% (-22·9 to -5·9; p=0·0016) in patients without type 2 diabetes over the follow-up visits (pinteraction<0·0001) Among 3860 patients with UACR of 300 mg/g or greater at baseline, dapagliflozin increased the likelihood of regression in UACR stage (hazard ratio 1·81, 95% CI 1·60 to 2·05). Among 3820 patients with UACR less than 3000 mg/g at baseline, dapagliflozin decreased the risk of progression in UACR stage (0·41, 0·32 to 0·52). Larger reductions in UACR at day 14 during dapagliflozin treatment were significantly associated with attenuated eGFR decline during subsequent follow-up (β per log unit UACR change -3·06, 95% CI -5·20 to -0·90; p=0·0056). In patients with chronic kidney disease with and without type 2 diabetes, dapagliflozin significantly reduced albuminuria, with a larger relative reduction in patients with type 2 diabetes. The similar effects of dapagliflozin on clinical outcomes in patients with or without type 2 diabetes, but different effects on UACR, suggest that part of the protective effect of dapagliflozin in patients with chronic kidney disease might be mediated through pathways unrelated to reduction in albuminuria. AstraZeneca.

Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Kidney Function in Adults with Prediabetes: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Trial.

Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) concentration has been associated with higher levels of proteinuria and lower levels of eGFR in observational studies. In the Vitamin D and Type 2 Diabetes (D2d) study, we investigated the effect of vitamin D supplementation on kidney outcomes in a population with prediabetes. Overweight/obese adults with high risk for type 2 diabetes (defined by meeting two of three glycemic criteria for prediabetes) were randomized to vitamin D3 4000 IU per day versus placebo. Median duration of treatment was 2.9 years (interquartile range 2.0-3.5 years). Kidney outcomes included (1) worsening in Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO ) risk score (low, moderate, high, very high) on two consecutive follow-up visits after the baseline visit and (2) mean changes in eGFR and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR). Among 2166 participants (mean age 60 years, body mass index 32 kg/m2, serum 25(OH)D 28 ng/ml, eGFR 87 ml/min per 1.73 m2, UACR 11 mg/g, 79% with hypertension), 10% had moderate, high, or very high KDIGO risk score. Over a median follow-up of 2.9 years, there were 28 cases of KDIGO worsening in the vitamin D group and 30 in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.89; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.52 to 1.52]). Mean difference in eGFR from baseline was -1.0 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (95% CI, -1.3 to -0.7) in the vitamin D group and -0.1 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (95% CI, -0.4 to 0.2) in the placebo group; between-group difference was -1.0 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (95% CI, -1.4 to -0.6). Mean difference in UACR was 2.7 mg/g (95% CI, 1.2 to 4.3) in the vitamin D group and 2.0 (95% CI, 0.5 to 3.6) in the placebo group; between-group difference was 0.7 mg/g (95% CI, -1.5 to 2.9). Among persons with prediabetes, who were not preselected on the basis of serum 25(OH)D concentration, vitamin D supplementation did not affect progression of KDIGO risk scores and did not have a meaningful effect on change in UACR or eGFR.

The Effect of Dapagliflozin on Albuminuria in DECLARE-TIMI 58.

OBJECTIVESodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) improve albuminuria in patients with high cardiorenal risk. We report albuminuria change in the Dapagliflozin Effect on Cardiovascular Events (DECLARE-TIMI 58) cardiovascular outcome trial, which included populations with lower cardiorenal risk.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSDECLARE-TIMI 58 randomized 17,160 patients with type 2 diabetes, creatinine clearance >60 mL/min, and either atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD; 40.6%) or risk-factors for CVD (59.4%) to dapagliflozin or placebo. Urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) was tested at baseline, 6 months, 12 months, and yearly thereafter. The change in UACR over time was measured as a continuous and categorical variable (≤15, >15 to <30, ≥30 to ≤300, and >300 mg/g) by treatment arm. The composite cardiorenal outcome was a ≥40% sustained decline in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, end-stage kidney disease, and cardiovascular or renal death; specific renal outcome included all except cardiovascular death.RESULTSBaseline UACR was available for 16,843 (98.15%) participants: 9,067 (53.83%) with ≤15 mg/g, 2,577 (15.30%) with >15 to <30 mg/g, 4,030 (23.93%) with 30–300 mg/g, and 1,169 (6.94%) with >300 mg/g. Measured as a continuous variable, UACR improved from baseline to 4.0 years with dapagliflozin, compared with placebo, across all UACR and eGFR categories (all P < 0.0001). Sustained confirmed ≥1 category improvement in UACR was more common in dapagliflozin versus placebo (hazard ratio 1.45 [95% CI 1.35–1.56], P < 0.0001). Cardiorenal outcome was reduced with dapagliflozin for subgroups of UACR ≥30 mg/g (P < 0.0125, Pinteraction = 0.033), and the renal-specific outcome was reduced for all UACR subgroups (P < 0.05, Pinteraction = 0.480).CONCLUSIONSIn DECLARE-TIMI 58, dapagliflozin demonstrated a favorable effect on UACR and renal-specific outcome across baseline UACR categories, including patients with normal albumin excretion. The results suggest a role for SGLT2i also in the primary prevention of diabetic kidney disease.