Selective Sodium-glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor Research Articles

Evaluation of the effect of tofogliflozin on the tissue characteristics of the carotid wall\u2014a sub-analysis of the UTOPIA trial

BackgroundSince sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have a pleiotropic antiatherogenic effect, they are expected to attenuate the progression of atherosclerosis. However, whether SGLT2 inhibitors affect the tissue characteristics of the human arterial wall remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of tofogliflozin, a selective SGLT2 inhibitor, on the tissue characteristics of the human arterial wall in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients without apparent cardiovascular disease (CVD).MethodsThe present study was a post hoc analysis based on data obtained from the Using Tofogliflozin for Possible Better Intervention against Atherosclerosis for Type 2 Diabetes Patients (UTOPIA) trial, which was a multicenter prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded-endpoint study conducted to evaluate the efficacy of tofogliflozin in preventing the progression of atherosclerosis in patients with T2DM. We evaluated the longitudinal change in the ultrasonic tissue characteristics of the carotid wall using gray-scale median (GSM), an established index of ultrasonic tissue characteristics. The right and left intima-medial areas were delineated, and the GSM values were evaluated (right GSM-CCA and left GSM-CCA). The average values of the right and left carotid arteries were defined as “mean GSM-CCA value.”ResultsIn a mixed-effects model for repeated measures, mean GSM-CCA, along with the right and left GSM-CCA values, did not significantly change in either the tofogliflozin (n = 168) or conventional treatment group (n = 169). In addition, the tofogliflozin and conventional treatment groups did not significantly differ regarding the change of the mean GSM-CCA (mean difference [95% CI] − 1.24[− 3.87, 1.38], P = 0.35), along with the right (mean difference [95% CI] − 2.33[− 5.70, 1.05], P = 0.18) and the left GSM-CCA (mean difference [95% CI] − 0.29 [− 3.53, 2.95], P = 0.86) values. Similar findings were obtained even after adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors and/or the administration of drugs at baseline.ConclusionsThe tissue characteristics of the carotid arterial wall did not change in either the tofogliflozin or conventional treatment group during the 104-week treatment period, and there was no significant difference between the treatment groups.Clinical trial registration UMIN000017607 (https://www.umin.ac.jp/icdr/index.html)

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 1 and 2 expression in the mammary artery of patients with bypass surgery: role of the pro-inflammatory response and contribution to oxidative stress

Abstract Background Selective sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have shown cardiovascular protection independently of glycemic control. Angiotensin II (Ang II) and H2O2 induced the expression of SGLT1 and 2 in cultured endothelial cells and isolated arteries to promote oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. However, the expression level and role of SGLT1 and 2 in human arteries remain poorly studied. Purpose This study examined the expression level of SGLT1 and 2 in the human internal mammary artery (IMA) obtained from bypass surgery patients, and, if so, determined the underlying mechanism and function. Methods IMAs were obtained from 40 bypass surgery patients (age 45 to 82). The expression level of target factors was assessed by Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence staining and RT-PCR, and the level of oxidative stress using dihydroethidium staining. Human kidney was used as a control tissue known to express SGLT1 and 2. Porcine coronary artery endothelial cells (CAEC) were cultured and studied at passage 1. Results Western blot analysis of 40 IMA samples indicated a high level of both SGLT1 and 2 in 16 and 17 IMAs, an intermediate level in 8 and 6 IMAs, and a low one in 16 and 17 IMAs, respectively. Immunofluorescence staining of IMA sections indicated that SGLT1 and 2 immunofluorescence signals were observed predominantly in the intima thickening and the media. The expression levels of SGLT1 and 2 were associated with p-p65 NF-kB signals but not angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), AT1R, MCP-1, VCAM-1. IMAs with a high expression level of SGLT1 and 2 had a high level of ROS throughout the arterial wall including the intima thickening and endothelium, which was inhibited by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine, the ACE inhibitor perindoprilat, the AT1R antagonist losartan, and also by the dual SGLT1 and 2 inhibitor sotagliflozin and the selective SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin. Pro-inflammatory cytokines mRNA levels of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 were detected in IMAs. Exposure of CAEC to either TNF-α, IL-1β or IL-6 caused a concentration-dependent upregulation of SGLT1 and 2. Conclusion The present findings indicate that SGLT1 and 2 expression is observed in some but not all IMAs of bypass surgery patients predominantly in the media, the intima thickening and the endothelium. High expression levels of SGLT1 and 2 are associated with NF-kB activation and oxidative stress that is prevented by a selective SGLT2 inhibitor and by a dual SGLT1/2 inhibitor. Since pro-inflammatory cytokines triggered SGLT1 and 2 expression in endothelial cells, the inflammatory burden of patients appears to be an important trigger regulating SGLT1/2 expression and the subsequent pro-oxidant response prompting pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic responses. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): This work was supported by an unrestricted research grant from Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach, Germany.

Left ventricular SGLT1 expression correlates with the extent of myocardial nitro-oxidative stress in rat models of heart failure

Abstract Introduction Recently, selective sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have been shown to reduce hospitalization for heart failure (HF) in patients with HF, irrespective of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The mechanism of action is currently unclear as SGLT2 is not expressed in the heart. Unlike selective SGLT2 inhibitors, the dual SGLT1/2 inhibitor sotagliflozin not only reduced hospitalization for HF, but also decreased the risk of myocardial infarction, suggesting cytoprotective action. Even though SGLT1 it highly expressed in the sarcolemma of cardiomyocytes, its pathophysiological role is unclear. Previous studies have postulated that SGLT1 propagates nitro-oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes through NADPH oxidases. Purpose We aimed to assess myocardial left ventricular (LV) SGLT1 protein expression in two rat models of chronic heart failure and assess possible downstream effectors. Methods We evoked chronic HF in male rats by pressure overload using transverse aortic constriction (TAC, n=7) or by volume overload using aorto-caval fistula (ACF, n=7). Respective sham operated animals (Sham-T or Sham-A, both n=7) served as controls. At the end of the protocol, LV function was assessed using echocardiography and invasive pressure-volume analysis. Myocardial protein expression analysis was performed by western blotting, whereas nitro-oxidative stress was quantified by immunohistochemical staining for 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT). Results In both TAC and ACF, systolic and diastolic dysfunction was evident, whereas LV mass was significantly increased compared with respective controls. The LV protein expression of SGLT1 was significantly upregulated in both HF models (∼1.5-fold increase, both P<0.01). Whereas the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was decreased only in ACF, AMPKα activity was significantly reduced in both types of HF. The protein expression of the Nox4 NADPH isoform was substantially upregulated in both TAC and ACF (both P<0.01). The expression of SGLT1 and Nox4 showed a strong positive correlation in the Sham-T plus TAC (r=0.855, P<0.001) and Sham-A plus ACF (r=0.798, P=0.001) cohorts, respectively. Furthermore, SGLT1 expression positively correlated with the extent of myocardial nitro-oxidative stress as assessed by 3-NT staining (Sham-T plus TAC: r=0.833, P=0.015; Sham-A plus ACF: r=0.762, P=0.037). Conclusions LV SGLT1 protein expression was upregulated in both pressure and volume overload-induced HF, irrespective of aetiology, and correlated significantly with Nox4 expression and with the extent of myocardial nitro-oxidative stress. These suggest that SGLT1 might play an important role in the pathophysiology of HF. Future studies should elucidate the possible link between the upregulation of SGLT1 in HF and the increase of myocardial nitro-oxidative stress, so that the salutary effects of the dual SGLT1/2 inhibitor sotagliflozin could be partially explained. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): National Research, Development and Innovation Fund of Hungary (NVKP_16-1-2016-0017)Ministry for Innovation and Technology in Hungary (2020-4.1.1.-TKP2020)National Research, Development and Innovation Office (NKFIH) of Hungary (K134939 to TR)

Endothelial NADPH oxidases protect against sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity-induced cardiac dysfunction and remodeling in mice: contribution of SGLT2

Abstract Background NADPH oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to cardiac dysfunction, often characterized by coronary microvascular dysfunction, an inflammatory response and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) induces oxidative stress, promoting cardiac dysfunction and the development of heart failure. Selective inhibitors of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2), have shown remarkable cardioprotective effects in clinical studies. Recently, SGLT2 inhibitors have been reported to prevent endothelial dysfunction and pro-inflammatory responses in endothelial cells in response to angiotensin II involving NADPH oxidases. Purpose Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine whether endothelial NADPH oxidases promote SNS-induced cardiac dysfunction and to clarify the role of SGLT2. Methods Male wild-type mice and mice lacking the NADPH oxidase subunit p22phox in the endothelium (p22phox ecKO, 11-week-old) were treated with isoproterenol (100 mg/kg) for five consecutive days and sacrificed at day 14. Hemodynamic measurements of left (LV) and right (RV) ventricles were performed by a transthoracic approach. Heart tissue sections were stained with Sirius red to evaluate fibrosis and wheat germ agglutinin to assess cardiomyocyte size. Cultured human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) were stimulated with 100 nM isoproterenol and ROS levels were assessed by dihydroethidium fluorescence. The expression level of target genes and proteins was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. siRNA approaches were used to down-regulate either the NADPH oxidase subunit p22phox or SGLT2. Results The isoproterenol treatment increased LV and RV systolic pressures in wild-type mice but not in p22phox ecKO mice. p22phox ecKO mice were protected against isoproterenol-induced fibrosis, cardiac remodeling characterized by upregulation of mRNA levels of ANP, BNP and β-MHC, and pulmonary congestion. LV remodeling was associated with upregulation of the NADPH oxidase subunits p22phox, Nox2, and Nox4 as well as of SGLT2 in wild-type mice, however no such effects were observed in p22phox ecKO mice. Exposure of HMEC-1 to isoproterenol stimulated the formation of ROS and caused an upregulation of p22phox and SGLT2 protein levels in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. No such effects were observed following silencing of either p22phox or SGLT2, or use of a selective SGLT2 inhibitor. Conclusion Deletion of the NADPH oxidase subunit p22phox in the endothelium protected against SNS hyperactivity induced LV cardiac dysfunction and remodeling, and prevented upregulation of SGLT2. Since depletion of SGLT2 prevented the pro-oxidant response to isoproterenol in endothelial cells, the endothelial NADPH oxidase/SGLT2 pathway seems to have a prominent role in promoting cardiac remodeling and dysfunction in SNS hyperactivity. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Deutsches Herzzentrum München

Mechanistic insights from a multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging study regarding the role of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors

Abstract Background Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with an increased risk of heart failure (HF) and cardiovascular (CV) mortality. Sodium–glucose-co transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce the risk of major adverse CV events and hospitalisation for HF in T2D patients with high cardiovascular risk, despite only a modest improvement in glycemic control. Restoring cellular energy homeostasis and reversing adverse cardiac remodelling in diabetes have been speculated as a potential metabolic modulatory effect of SGLT2 inhibitors leading to their beneficial CV outcomes. Myocardial energy deficient states can be detected non-invasively by 31-phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS). Objectives Utilising cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and 31P-MRS in a single centre longitudinal cohort study, we aimed to investigate the effects of the selective SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin on myocardial energetics, function, perfusion, and myocardial cellular volume in patients with T2D. Methods Eighteen consecutive T2D patients who were commenced on empagliflozin in cardiometabolic optimisation clinics underwent CMR and 31P-MRS scans before and after twelve-week empagliflozin treatment, and plasma N-terminal pro hormone B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels were measured. Ten controls with no diabetes underwent an identical 31P-MRS and CMR protocol on a single visit. Results When compared to controls, patients with T2D showed: lower myocardial energetics (1.52±0.40 vs 2.20±0.5, p=0.0005), lower stress myocardial blood flow (1.60±0.50 vs 2.10±0.50, p=0.02) and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (52±13% vs 63±4%, p=0.01). Treatment with empagliflozin led to significant improvements in myocardial energetics (PCr/ATP: 1.52 to 1.76, p=0.009). This was accompanied by a relative 13% improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (p=0.001), 3% improvement in global longitudinal strain (p=0.01), 61% reduction in NTproBNP (p=0.05), and 9% reduction in myocardial cell volume (p=0.04). No significant change in myocardial blood flow or diastolic strain was detected. Conclusions For the first time, we demonstrate that empagliflizon improves myocardial energetics and function, reduces myocardial cellular volume, and reduces NT-proBNP levels in patients with T2D. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): British Heart Foundation PCr/ATPLVEF

Empagliflozin Treatment Is Associated With Improvements in Cardiac Energetics and Function and Reductions in Myocardial Cellular Volume in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.

Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular (CV) events and hospitalization for heart failure (HF) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Using CV MRI (CMR) and 31P-MRS in a longitudinal cohort study, we aimed to investigate the effects of the selective SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin on myocardial energetics and cellular volume, function, and perfusion. Eighteen patients with T2D underwent CMR and 31P-MRS scans before and after 12 weeks’ empagliflozin treatment. Plasma N-terminal prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels were measured. Ten volunteers with normal glycemic control underwent an identical scan protocol at a single visit. Empagliflozin treatment was associated with significant improvements in phosphocreatine-to-ATP ratio (1.52 to 1.76, P = 0.009). This was accompanied by a 7% absolute increase in the mean left ventricular ejection fraction (P = 0.001), 3% absolute increase in the mean global longitudinal strain (P = 0.01), 8 mL/m2 absolute reduction in the mean myocardial cell volume (P = 0.04), and 61% relative reduction in the mean NT-proBNP (P = 0.05) from baseline measurements. No significant change in myocardial blood flow or diastolic strain was detected. Empagliflozin thus ameliorates the “cardiac energy-deficient” state, regresses adverse myocardial cellular remodeling, and improves cardiac function, offering therapeutic opportunities to prevent or modulate HF in T2D.

Polypharmacology of clinical sodium glucose co-transport protein 2 inhibitors and relationship to suspected adverse drug reactions.

Sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a promising second‐line treatment strategy for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with a developing landscape of both beneficial cardio‐ and nephroprotective properties and emerging adverse drug reactions (ADRs) including diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), genetic mycotic infections, and amputations among others. A national register study (MHRA Yellow Card, UK) was used to quantify the SGLT2i's suspected ADRs relative to their Rx rate (OpenPrescribing, UK). The polypharmacology profiles of SGLT2i were data‐mined (ChEMBL) for the first time. The ADR reports (n = 3629) and prescribing numbers (Rx n = 5,813,325) for each SGLT2i in the United Kingdom (from launch date to the beginning December 2019) were determined. Empagliflozin possesses the most selective SGLT2/SGLT1 inhibition profile at ~2500‐fold, ~10‐fold more selective than cangliflozin (~260‐fold). Canagliflozin was found to also inhibit CYP at clinically achievable concentrations. We find that for overall ADR rates, empagliflozin versus dapagliflozin and empagliflozin versus canagliflozin are statistically significant (χ 2, p < .05), while dapagliflozin versus canagliflozin is not. In terms of overall ADRs, there is a greater relative rate for canagliflozin > dapagliflozin > empagliflozin. For fatalities, there is a greater relative rate for dapagliflozin > canagliflozin > empagliflozin. An organ classification that resulted in a statistically significant difference between SGLT2i was suspected infection/infestation ADRs between empagliflozin and dapagliflozin. Our findings at this stage of SGLT2i usage in the United Kingdom suggest that empagliflozin, the most selective SGLT2i, had the lowest suspected ADR incident rate (relative to prescribing) and in all reported classes of ADRs identified including infections, amputations, and DKA.

Effects of SGLT2 Inhibitors beyond Glycemic Control-Focus on Myocardial SGLT1.

Selective sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduced the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in patients with or without type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in large-scale clinical trials. The exact mechanism of action is currently unclear. The dual SGLT1/2 inhibitor sotagliflozin not only reduced hospitalization for HF in patients with T2DM, but also lowered the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke, suggesting a possible additional benefit related to SGLT1 inhibition. In fact, several preclinical studies suggest that SGLT1 plays an important role in cardiac pathophysiological processes. In this review, our aim is to establish the clinical significance of myocardial SGLT1 inhibition through reviewing basic research studies in the context of SGLT2 inhibitor trials.

Multi-Spectroscopic, thermodynamic and molecular dynamic simulation studies for investigation of interaction of dapagliflozin with bovine serum albumin

Dapagliflozin (DAPA) is a selective sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor that reduces renal glucose reabsorption. The drug has recently become a crucial milestone in the management of diabetes and heart failure. In this study, the interaction of DAPA with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated for the first time using various fluorescence spectroscopic techniques, UV-absorption spectroscopy, molecular docking, and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation. The fluorescence spectroscopic titration study performed at different temperatures showed that DAPA quenched the fluorescence of BSA through a combination of dynamic and static mechanisms, which was confirmed by UV absorption, fluorescence-resonance energy transfer measurements, and MD simulation. The binding thermodynamic parameters demonstrated that the binding stoichiometry between BSA and DAPA was 1:1. Competitive binding experiments using site-specific markers as well as molecular docking studies showed that DAPA binds to site I on BSA. The positive values of enthalpy change (ΔH) and entropy change (ΔS) revealed that hydrophobic forces played a predominant role in the binding of DAPA to BSA, whereas the negative value of Gibbs free energy change (ΔG) indicated the spontaneity of the interaction. Moreover, the synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy has shown that DAPA binding to the protein molecule occurs in the vicinity of the tryptophan residue. These findings were confirmed by the molecular docking and MD simulation studies.

Inhibition of the sodium-glucose co-transporter SGLT2 by canagliflozin ameliorates diet-induced obesity by increasing intra-adipose sympathetic innervation.

Inhibition of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) induces hypoglycaemia by increasing urinary glucose excretion and increasing the use of fat. However, the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. This study was aimed to determine the effects of canagliflozin, a selective SGLT2 inhibitor, on diet-induced obesity and the underlying mechanism(s). Adult C57BL/6J male mice were fed with a standard chow diet or high-fat diet supplemented with vehicle or canagliflozin. Whole body energy expenditure was monitored by metabolic cages, noradrenaline levels were measured by HPLC, glucose uptake was measured by PET/CT, and mRNA and protein expression were measured by RT-PCR and western blotting analysis. Mice treated with canagliflozin were resistant to high-fat diet-induced obesity and its metabolic consequences. Canagliflozin treatment decreased fat mass and increased energy expenditure via increasing thermogenesis and lipolysis in adipose tissue. Mechanistically, SGLT2 inhibition by canagliflozin elevated adipose sympathetic innervation and fat mobilization via a β3 -adrenoceptor-cAMP-PKA signalling pathway. Finally, we showed that canagliflozin improved insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in mice fed with a high-fat diet. Chronic inhibition of SGLT2 increased energy consumption by increasing intra-adipose sympathetic innervation to counteract diet-induced obesity. The present study reveals a new therapeutic function for SGLT2 inhibitors in regulating energy homeostasis.

Ipragliflozin, an SGLT2 Inhibitor, Ameliorates High-Fat Diet-Induced Metabolic Changes by Upregulating Energy Expenditure through Activation of the AMPK/ SIRT1 Pathway.

BackgroundSodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a new class of antidiabetic drugs that exhibit multiple extraglycemic effects. However, there are conflicting results regarding the effects of SGLT2 inhibition on energy expenditure and thermogenesis. Therefore, we investigated the effect of ipragliflozin (a selective SGLT2 inhibitor) on energy metabolism.MethodsSix-week-old male 129S6/Sv mice with a high propensity for adipose tissue browning were randomly assigned to three groups: normal chow control, 60% high-fat diet (HFD)-fed control, and 60% HFD-fed ipragliflozin-treated groups. The administration of diet and medication was continued for 16 weeks.ResultsThe HFD-fed mice became obese and developed hepatic steatosis and adipose tissue hypertrophy, but their random glucose levels were within the normal ranges; these features are similar to the metabolic features of a prediabetic condition. Ipragliflozin treatment markedly attenuated HFD-induced hepatic steatosis and reduced the size of hypertrophied adipocytes to that of smaller adipocytes. In the ipragliflozin treatment group, uncoupling protein 1 (Ucp1) and other thermogenesis-related genes were significantly upregulated in the visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue, and fatty acid oxidation was increased in the brown adipose tissue. These effects were associated with a significant reduction in the insulin-to-glucagon ratio and the activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) pathway in the liver and adipose tissue.ConclusionSGLT2 inhibition by ipragliflozin showed beneficial metabolic effects in 129S6/Sv mice with HFD-induced obesity that mimics prediabetic conditions. Our data suggest that SGLT2 inhibitors, through their upregulation of energy expenditure, may have therapeutic potential in prediabetic obesity.

Pharmacoeconomic evaluation of ipragliflozin in combination with metformin in comparison with other regimens of therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus

Ipragliflozin is a selective sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor that reduce plasma glucose concentrations by inhibiting glucose reabsorption by the kidney through inhibiting SGLT2 sodium-glucose cotransporter and induce glycosuria. SGLT2 inhibitors are a new class of glucose lowering drugs most recently approved for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Unlike other antidiabetic agents, SGLT2 inhibitors improve glycemic control (by HbA1c) and provide multiple additional benefits, including decreased body weight, blood pressure, and other multiple pleiotropic effects. The completed clinical trials and real world data have provided evidence that including of SGLT2 inhibitors in the treatment of T2DM has benefits of reduction of cardiovascular and renal outcomes. Goal. The aim of the study was to conduct a clinical and economic examination of ipragliflozin in comparison with other regimens of glucose-lowering therapy with other SGLT2 inhibitors. Methods. In carrying out the pharmacoeconomic analysis itself, a cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) was applied with the calculation of the corresponding cost-effectiveness ratio (CER), incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) according to the formula, as well as an a «budget impact analysis». Multiple one-way sensitivity analysis, check the robustness of the results of the main scenario results to changes in key parameters such as the cost of drugs and complications of diabetes. The time horizon for analyzing the dynamics of economic consequences when using ipragliflozin as a glucose-lowering therapy for T2DM was 5 years. Results. The weighted average cost per patient per year when using the ipragliflozin treatment strategy is 31,182 rubles. The costs of the empagliflozin strategy are 61,291 rubles per patient. In the case of using dapagliflozin, the weighted average costs are 30,032 rubles per patient per year, the total direct medical costs for the current drug therapy option, calculated on the initial number of target practice in 72,143 patients with type 2 diabetes, amounted to 3,068,642,442 rubles. Analysis of the trend of changes in weighted average costs showed that the broader use of ipragliflozin for the treatment of T2DM in the target population leads to reducing in diabetes related direct medical costs by 6.7 %, while the total economic effect of ipragliflozin introduction over five years will be 501,539,327 rubles. Conclusions. Use of ipragliflozin + metformin in T2DM treatment is a cost-effective strategy compared to empagliflozin + metformin. The combination of ipragliflozin with metformin versus dapagliflozin + metformin is economically feasible in terms of cost-effectiveness.

Tolerability, Pharmacokinetic, and Pharmacodynamic Profiles of Henagliflozin, a Novel Selective Inhibitor of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2, in Healthy Subjects Following Single- and Multiple-dose Administration

BackgroundHenagliflozin, a novel selective inhibitor of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2, is under development as a treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus. PurposeTo evaluate the tolerability, pharmacokinetic (PK), and pharmacodynamic (PD) profiles of henagliflozin in healthy Chinese volunteers. MethodsTwo clinical studies were conducted. One was a single ascending dose (SAD) study (2.5–200 mg) involving 80 healthy subjects, and the other was a multiple ascending dose (MAD) study (1.25–100 mg for 10 days) involving 48 healthy subjects. The tolerability, PK profiles of henagliflozin and its main metabolites, and the urinary glucose excretion over 24 h were characterized in these 2 studies. FindingsNo serious adverse events were observed in the healthy subjects after single- and multiple-dose oral administration of henagliflozin, suggesting that this drug was well tolerated. Henagliflozin was rapidly absorbed, with a Tmax of 1.5–3 h, and then eliminated from plasma with a half-life of 11–15 h. It was not accumulated following once-daily oral administration. Plasma exposure of henagliflozin exhibited dose-proportional PK properties over the dose ranges of 2.5–200 mg (SAD) and 1.25–100 mg (MAD). The excretion of henagliflozin in urine was found to be very low, with 3.00%–5.13% of the dose. The glucuronide metabolites M5-1, M5-2 and M5-3 were the main metabolites detected in plasma samples, which accounted for up to 54.3%, 19.8%, and 27.5%, respectively, of the parent drug at steady state. Both the SAD and MAD studies demonstrated that the urinary glucose excretion over 24 h was dose-dependently increased and displayed saturation kinetics at >25 mg. No significant changes in the levels of serum glucose and urine electrolytes were found following a single or multiple doses of henagliflozin administration. ImplicationsHenagliflozin was well tolerated and showed predictable PK/PD profiles in these healthy subjects. Henagliflozin did not affect blood glucose level or urinary electrolyte excretion. It is best characterized for once-daily administration with a maximum dose of 25 mg. ChinaDrugTrials.org.cn identifiers: CTR20131986 and CTR20140132.

Empaglifozin induces changes in the liver metabolome of diabetic rats

Abstract Background Empagliflozin is a potent, highly selective sodium glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor used as an effective and well-tolerated antihyperglycaemic agent. Beyond lowering glucose, empagliflozin exerts a favorable effect on a number of nonglycaemic outcomes, including modest reductions in bodyweight and blood pressure, and it has cardioprotective and renoprotective properties in patients with T2D and established cardiovascular disease (EMPA-REG OUTCOME). Purpose Since liver fat content represents a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, and empagliflozin has been recently suggested to be able to contribute to the early treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in T2D, we aimed to study the effect of the empagliflozin treatment in the liver metabolome of type 2 diabetic rats. Methods Male ZDF-Leprfa/fa rats were treated with 30 mg/kg/d of empagliflozin p.o for six weeks. Metabolic profiling of the hepatic tissue was analyzed using UHPLC-MS based platforms. We performed a hematoxylin/eosin staining to determine the tissue integrity and liver fat accumulation, and a Masson's trichrome staining to analyze liver fibrosis. All animals were maintained and euthanized following protocols approved by the Animal Care Committee of the University of Santiago de Compostela in accordance with European Union Directive 2010/63. Results Empaglifozin treatment reduced blood glucose levels to normal (128.2±6.51 mg/dL), while untreated control rats showed high glucose levels (404.3±17.49 mg/dL). Hepatic histological analysis did not show differences regarding neither fat accumulation nor fibrosis between empagliflozin treated and control rats. Circulating levels of cholesterol, HDL, LDL, GTP, GGT triglycerides remained unaltered after empaglifozin treatment vs. control. 384 metabolites were analyzed in the liver tissue samples, observing significantly increased levels of 10 types of glycerolipids, 24 phosphatidylcholines, 8 amino acids, 1 polyunsaturated fatty acid, 4 lysophosphatidylethanolamines, 7 lysophosphatidylinositols, 1 carboxylic acid and 1 nucleoside in the empagliflozin treated rats with respect to the control group. In addition, treatment with empagliflozin produced a significant decrease of 1 glycerolipid, 1 phosphatidylcholine, 1 bile acid, 1 nucleoside and the NAD oxidoreduction coenzyme. Conclusions We demonstrated that empagliflozin significantly modify the liver content of the different lipid species, with the most relevant altered metabolic classes belonging to glycerophospholipids, especially monoacyl-species, and aromatic amino acids. Considering the suggested potential beneficial effect of the treatment with empagliflozin in the prevention of liver fibrosis, our metabolomics data can help to evaluate the impact and the mechanism of action of SGLT2 inhibitors at hepatic level. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Boehringer Ingelheim

Empagliflozin treatment does not affect the hypertensive response to Ang II administration to rats but decreases oxidative stress in the arterial wall, and endothelial and cardiac dysfunction

Abstract Background Selective sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have shown cardiovascular protection in type 2 diabetes patients with established cardiovascular disease independently of glycemic control. Angiotensin II (Ang II) and H2O2 have been shown to be strong inducers of the expression of SGLT2 and 1 in endothelial cells promoting oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. Purpose This study examined the cardiovascular protective effect of empagliflozin (empa) in a normoglycemic experimental model of hypertension in the rat. Methods Male Wistar rats received empa (30 mg/kg/day) provided in the diet for 5 weeks. After 1 week, rats underwent sham surgery (sham rats) or surgery with implantation of an osmotic mini-pump infusing Ang II (0.4 mg/kg/d) for 4 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was assessed by sphygmomanometry, the cardiac function using echocardiography, the expression level of target proteins by immunofluorescence staining, and the level of oxidative stress using dihydroethidium staining. Results Angiotensin II administration increased systolic blood pressure from about 130 to 180 mmHg, which was not affected by the empa treatment. The 4-week Ang II treatment did not significantly affect the systolic cardiac function (cardiac output, left ventricle ejection fraction) but impaired the diastolic function as indicated by a reduced E' and IVRT values, and an increased E/E' value. The Ang II treatment increased significantly the heart and right ventricle weight whereas the left ventricle + septum weight was slightly but not significantly increased. No such functional and structural changes were observed in the Ang II + empa treatment group. An increased immunofluorescence eNOS signal in the endothelium, and a higher level of ROS throughout the aorta wall were observed in the Ang II-treated group, both of which were significantly reduced in the empa + Ang II-treated group. In the Ang II-treated group, the high level of oxidative stress in the aorta was significantly reduced by the AT1 receptor antagonist losartan, the NADPH oxidase inhibitor VAS-2871, the eNOS inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine and also to a greater extent by the selective SGLT2 inhibitor empa compared to the dual SGLT1/2 inhibitor sotagliflozin. Conclusion(s) The present findings indicate that although the empa treatment did not affect the hypertensive response of rats to Ang II, the SGLT2 inhibitor prevented the deleterious impact of Ang II on the diastolic cardiac function and remodeling, and the upregulation of eNOS expression and oxidative stress in the aorta wall. Thus, these findings highlight the protective potential of empa on the cardiovascular system in a normoglycemic hypertensive experimental model. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH &amp; Co KG (Biberach an der Riss, Germany)

Tofogliflozin does not delay progression of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes: a prospective, randomized, open-label, parallel-group comparative study

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the preventive effects of tofogliflozin, a selective sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, on atherosclerosis progression in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients without apparent cardiovascular disease (CVD) by monitoring carotid intima-media thickness (IMT).MethodsThis prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded-endpoint, multicenter, parallel-group, comparative study included 340 subjects with T2DM and no history of apparent CVD recruited at 24 clinical units. Subjects were randomly allocated to either the tofogliflozin treatment group (n = 169) or conventional treatment group using drugs other than SGLT2 inhibitors (n = 171). Primary outcomes were changes in mean and maximum common carotid IMT measured by echography during a 104-week treatment period.ResultsIn a mixed-effects model for repeated measures, the mean IMT of the common carotid artery (mean-IMT-CCA), along with the right and left maximum IMT of the CCA (max-IMT-CCA), significantly declined in both the tofogliflozin (− 0.132 mm, SE 0.007; − 0.163 mm, SE 0.013; − 0.170 mm, SE 0.020, respectively) and the control group (− 0.140 mm, SE 0.006; − 0.190 mm, SE 0.012; − 0.190 mm, SE 0.020, respectively). Furthermore, the tofogliflozin and the conventional treatment group did not significantly differ in the progression of the mean-IMT-CCA (mean change (95% CI) 0.008 (− 0.009, 0.025) mm, P = 0.34), along with the right (mean change (95% CI) 0.027 (− 0.005, 0.059) mm, P = 0.10) and the left max-IMT-CCA (mean change (95% CI) 0.020 (− 0.030, 0.070), P = 0.43). Similar findings were obtained even after adjusting for traditional CV risk factors and/or administration of drugs at baseline. Relative to the control treatment effects, tofogliflozin significantly reduced the HbA1c, blood glucose level, body weight/body mass index, abdominal circumference, and systolic blood pressure, and significantly increased the HDL-C. The total and serious adverse events incidences did not significantly vary between the treatment groups.Conclusions/interpretationNo IMT changes were observed between the tofogliflozin and the conventional treatment groups. However, tofogliflozin is a safe and effective treatment option for managing primary CVD risk factors in this population.Clinical Trial Registration UMIN000017607 (https://www.umin.ac.jp/icdr/index.html).

465-P: Thrombin Induces SGLT1 and SGLT2 Expression to Promote the AT1R/NADPH Oxidase-Mediated Pro-oxidant Response Inducing Senescence in Atrial Endothelial Cells

Selective sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have shown cardiovascular protection in type 2 diabetes patients with established cardiovascular (CV) disease independently of glycemic control. Although blood-derived coagulation factors are major contributors of CV diseases, their impact on the expression of SGLT1 and 2 in endothelial cells (ECs) has not been studied. This study investigated whether thrombin affects the expression of SGLT1 and 2 and examined their role in the induction of endothelial senescence. ECs were isolated from porcine atrial tissue (AECs) and used at first passage. Endothelial senescence was assessed by determining senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-beta-gal) activity, oxidative stress using dihydroethidium, and protein level by Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining. Exposure of AECs to thrombin (1 or 3 U/ml) for 24 h induced an upregulation of the low protein expression level of SGLT1 and SGLT2. Thrombin induced a sustained pro-oxidant response and increased the level of SA-beta-gal activity that were both inhibited by antioxidants, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and an AT1 receptor antagonist and also by sotagliflozin (a dual SGLT1 and SGLT2 inhibitor) and by empagliflozin (a selective SGLT2 inhibitor). In addition, thrombin upregulated the expression level of angiotensin-converting enzyme and AT1 receptors, VCAM-1 and down-regulated that of endothelial NO synthase. In conclusion, thrombin up-regulates both SGLT1 and SGLT2 expression in AECs to sustain oxidative stress leading to endothelial senescence and dysfunction. The fact that the AT1R/NADPH oxidase/SGLT1 and 2 pathway acts in a feedforward manner suggests that inhibition of SGLT1 and/or SGLT2 appears as an attractive strategy to perpetuate the protective endothelial function on the cardiovascular system. Disclosure H. Hasan: None. S. Park: None. E. Belcastro: None. C. Auger: None. H. Lee: None. V. Schini-Kerth: Research Support; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH.

Overview of the Clinical Pharmacology of Ertugliflozin, a Novel Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) Inhibitor.

Ertugliflozin, a selective inhibitor of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), is approved in the US, EU, and other regions for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This review summarizes the ertugliflozin pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic data obtained during phase I clinical development, which supported the registration and labeling of this drug. The PK of ertugliflozin was similar in healthy subjects and patients with T2DM. Oral absorption was rapid, with time to peak plasma concentrations (Tmax) occurring at 1 h (fasted) and 2 h (fed) postdose. The terminal phase half-life ranged from 11 to 18 h and steady-state concentrations were achieved by 6 days after initiating once-daily dosing. Ertugliflozin exposure increased in a dose-proportional manner over the tested dose range of 0.5–300 mg. Ertugliflozin is categorized as a Biopharmaceutical Classification System Class I drug with an absolute bioavailability of ~ 100% under fasted conditions. Administration of the ertugliflozin 15 mg commercial tablet with food resulted in no meaningful effect on ertugliflozin area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC), but decreased peak concentrations (Cmax) by 29%. The effect on Cmax is not clinically relevant and ertugliflozin can be administered without regard to food. Mild, moderate, and severe renal impairment were associated with a ≤ 70% increase in ertugliflozin exposure relative to subjects with normal renal function, and no dose adjustment in renal impairment patients is needed based on PK results. Consistent with the mechanism of action of SGLT2 inhibitors, 24-h urinary glucose excretion decreased with worsening renal function. In subjects with moderate hepatic impairment, a decrease in AUC (13%) relative to subjects with normal hepatic function was observed and not considered clinically relevant. Concomitant administration of metformin, sitagliptin, glimepiride, or simvastatin with ertugliflozin did not have clinically meaningful effects on the PK of ertugliflozin or the coadministered medications. Coadministration of rifampin decreased ertugliflozin AUC and Cmax by 39% and 15%, respectively, and is not expected to affect efficacy in a clinically meaningful manner. This comprehensive evaluation supports administration to patients with T2DM without regard to prandial status and with no dose adjustments for coadministration with commonly prescribed drugs, or in patients with renal impairment or mild-to-moderate hepatic impairment based on ertugliflozin PK.

Model-based Prediction of the Long-term Glucose-Lowering Effects of Ipragliflozin, a Selective Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) Inhibitor, in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

IntroductionSodium-dependent glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors inhibit the reabsorption of glucose from the kidneys and increase urinary glucose excretion (UGE), thereby lowering the blood glucose concentration in people suffering from type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In a previous study, we reported a pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics model to estimate individual change in UGE (ΔUGE), which is a direct pharmacological effect of SGLT2 inhibitors. In this study, we report our enhancement of the previous model to predict the long-term effects of ipragliflozin on clinical outcomes in patients with T2DM.MethodsThe time course of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in patients with T2DM following ipragliflozin treatment that had been observed in earlier clinical trials was modeled using empirical models combined with the maximum drug effect (Emax) model and disease progression model. As a predictive factor of drug effect, estimated ΔUGE was introduced into the Emax model, instead of ipragliflozin exposure. The developed models were used to simulate the time course of FPG and HbA1c following once-daily treatment with placebo or ipragliflozin at doses of 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 mg, and the changes at 52 weeks at the approved dose of 50 mg were summarized by renal function category.ResultsThe developed models that included UGE as a dependent variable of response were found to well describe observed time courses in FPG and HbA1c. Baseline blood glucose level and renal function had significant effects on the glucose-lowering effect of ipragliflozin, and these models enabled quantification of these impacts on clinical outcomes. Simulated median changes in HbA1c in T2DM patients with mild and moderate renal impairment were 25 and 63% lower, respectively, than those in T2DM patients with normal renal function. These results are consistent with the observed clinical data from a previous renal impairment study.ConclusionsEmpirical models established based on the effect of UGE well predicted the renal function-dependent long-term glucose-lowering effects of ipragliflozin in patients with T2DM.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s13300-020-00785-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Canagliflozin Prevents Diabetes-Induced Vascular Dysfunction in ApoE-Deficient Mice.

Aim: Recent studies have demonstrated that selective sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) reduce cardiovascular events, although their mechanism remains obscure. We examined the effect of canagliflozin, an SGLT2i, on atherogenesis and investigated its underlying mechanism.Method: Canagliflozin (30 mg/kg/day) was administered by gavage to streptozotocin-induced diabetic apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE−/−) mice. Sudan IV staining was performed at the aortic arch. Immunostaining, quantitative RT-PCR, and vascular reactivity assay were performed using the aorta. In vitro experiments using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were also performed.Result: Canagliflozin decreased blood glucose (P < 0.001) and total cholesterol (P < 0.05) levels. Sudan IV staining showed that 12-week canagliflozin treatment decreased atherosclerotic lesions (P < 0.05). Further, 8-week canagliflozin treatment ameliorated endothelial dysfunction, as determined by acetylcholine-induced vasodilation (P < 0.05), and significantly reduced the expressions of inflammatory molecules such as ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in the aorta at the RNA and protein levels. Canagliflozin also reduced the expressions of NADPH oxidase subunits such as NOX2 and p22phox in the aorta and reduced urinary excretion of 8-OHdG, suggesting a reduction in oxidative stress. Methylglyoxal, a precursor of advanced glycation end products, increased the expressions of ICAM-1 and p22phox in HUVECs (P < 0.05, both). Methylglyoxal also decreased the phosphorylation of eNOSSer1177 and Akt but increased the phosphorylation of eNOSThr495 and p38 MAPK in HUVECs.Conclusion: Canagliflozin prevents endothelial dysfunction and atherogenesis in diabetic ApoE−/− mice. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidative potential due to reduced glucose toxicity to endothelial cells might be its underlying mechanisms.