1 May 2024 | Agata Gajewska, Jakub Wasiak, Natalia Sapeda, Ewelina Mlynarska, Jacek Rysz, and Beata Franczyk
SGLT2 inhibitors are a class of drugs that have shown significant nephroprotective effects in kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney injury (AKI). These drugs work by inhibiting the sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) in the kidneys, leading to increased glucose excretion in urine. This mechanism not only helps in lowering blood glucose levels but also reduces intraglomerular pressure and albuminuria, thereby slowing the progression of kidney disease. Additionally, SGLT2 inhibitors have anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic properties, which further contribute to their protective effects on the kidneys.
SGLT2 inhibitors have been shown to reduce glomerular hyperfiltration, a common early sign of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), and to normalize glomerular pressure, which helps in reducing albumin leakage into urine. They also improve endothelial function and reduce oxidative stress, which are important in the pathogenesis of kidney disease. Furthermore, these drugs have been found to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of cardiovascular events and improving heart failure outcomes.
Clinical trials have demonstrated that SGLT2 inhibitors can slow the progression of CKD and reduce the risk of renal replacement therapy. They have also been shown to have a protective effect against AKI, with some studies indicating a reduction in the incidence of AKI in patients taking these drugs. However, there are some limitations and considerations when using SGLT2 inhibitors, such as the need for careful dose adjustments in patients with severe kidney dysfunction and the potential for electrolyte imbalances, including hyperkalemia and hypovolemia.
Overall, SGLT2 inhibitors are a promising class of drugs for the management of kidney diseases, offering both renal and cardiovascular benefits. However, further research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action and to optimize their use in different patient populations.SGLT2 inhibitors are a class of drugs that have shown significant nephroprotective effects in kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney injury (AKI). These drugs work by inhibiting the sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) in the kidneys, leading to increased glucose excretion in urine. This mechanism not only helps in lowering blood glucose levels but also reduces intraglomerular pressure and albuminuria, thereby slowing the progression of kidney disease. Additionally, SGLT2 inhibitors have anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic properties, which further contribute to their protective effects on the kidneys.
SGLT2 inhibitors have been shown to reduce glomerular hyperfiltration, a common early sign of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), and to normalize glomerular pressure, which helps in reducing albumin leakage into urine. They also improve endothelial function and reduce oxidative stress, which are important in the pathogenesis of kidney disease. Furthermore, these drugs have been found to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of cardiovascular events and improving heart failure outcomes.
Clinical trials have demonstrated that SGLT2 inhibitors can slow the progression of CKD and reduce the risk of renal replacement therapy. They have also been shown to have a protective effect against AKI, with some studies indicating a reduction in the incidence of AKI in patients taking these drugs. However, there are some limitations and considerations when using SGLT2 inhibitors, such as the need for careful dose adjustments in patients with severe kidney dysfunction and the potential for electrolyte imbalances, including hyperkalemia and hypovolemia.
Overall, SGLT2 inhibitors are a promising class of drugs for the management of kidney diseases, offering both renal and cardiovascular benefits. However, further research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action and to optimize their use in different patient populations.