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Exploring newer target sodium glucose transporter 2 for the treatment of diabetes mellitus

H B Vaidya1, R K Goyal

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, L.M. College of Pharmacy, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad-380009, Gujarat, India.

Mini Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry
|November 2, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Sodium Glucose Transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors offer a novel therapeutic strategy for diabetes mellitus by reducing glucose reabsorption in the kidneys. This approach targets SGLT2, a protein specifically found in the kidney, to minimize side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Pharmacology
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Diabetes mellitus is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders.
  • Current diabetes treatments like insulin and hypoglycemic agents have limitations in efficacy and adverse effects.
  • Inhibiting glucose reabsorption in the kidney via Sodium Glucose Transporters (SGLT's) presents a promising alternative therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the therapeutic potential of targeting Sodium Glucose Transporter 2 (SGLT2) for diabetes mellitus.
  • To discuss the development of SGLT2 inhibitors as a selective treatment strategy.

Main Methods:

  • Focus on SGLT2 as a molecular target due to its specific role in renal glucose reabsorption.
  • Review of preclinical and clinical development of SGLT2 inhibitors.
  • Exploration of SGLT inhibitors, moving from non-specific (phlorizin) to specific c-glycoside inhibitors.

Main Results:

  • SGLT2 plays a major role in kidney glucose reabsorption.
  • Selective inhibition of SGLT2 in the kidney reduces the likelihood of mechanism-based side effects.
  • Development of SGLT2 inhibitors represents a promising therapeutic avenue.

Conclusions:

  • SGLT2 selective target-based therapy is a viable strategy for managing diabetes mellitus.
  • Further clinical and preclinical development of SGLT2 inhibitors is ongoing.
  • Targeting SGLT2 offers a new approach to glycemic control with potentially fewer side effects.

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