Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 3, 2026

Mechanism of Kemeng Fang's Inhibition of Podocyte Apoptosis in Rats with Membranous Nephropathy through the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway
07:15

Mechanism of Kemeng Fang's Inhibition of Podocyte Apoptosis in Rats with Membranous Nephropathy through the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway

Published on: August 23, 2024

821

Renoprotective effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and underlying mechanisms

Naoki Kashihara1, Kengo Kidokoro, Eiichiro Kanda

  • 1Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan.

Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension
|November 15, 2019
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors show significant cardiovascular benefits and slow the progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Research is ongoing to fully understand the mechanisms behind these renoprotective effects.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Cardiology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Emerging data highlight the cardiovascular protective effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, particularly in preventing heart failure.
  • Clinical trials suggest these agents also possess significant renoprotective properties in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review clinical trial data on the renal outcomes associated with SGLT2 inhibitors.
  • To discuss the potential mechanisms underlying the renoprotective effects of SGLT2 inhibitors in diabetic kidney disease (DKD).

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from major cardiovascular outcome trials (EMPA-REG, CANVAS, DECLARE-TIMI 58).
  • Inclusion of findings from a dedicated renal outcome trial (CREDENCE) investigating canagliflozin in high-risk patients.
  • Review of preclinical/animal studies exploring mechanistic pathways.

Main Results:

  • SGLT2 inhibitors reduce cardiovascular events and slow kidney disease progression in type 2 diabetes.
  • The CREDENCE trial showed canagliflozin reduced the risk of end-stage kidney disease and other renal/cardiovascular endpoints by 30% in high-risk patients.
  • Animal studies indicate mechanisms involving reduced oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, and modulated tubuloglomerular feedback.

Conclusions:

  • Clinical trials have confirmed the renoprotective efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors.
  • Further research into the mechanisms of SGLT2 inhibition is crucial for a deeper understanding of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) pathogenesis.

More Related Videos

Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Whole Kidney, Medulla, and Cortical Tubules in Diabetic Pathogenesis of Kidney Injury in Mice10:31

Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Whole Kidney, Medulla, and Cortical Tubules in Diabetic Pathogenesis of Kidney Injury in Mice

Published on: May 2, 2025

560
5/6 Nephrectomy Using Sharp Bipolectomy Via Midline Laparotomy in Rats05:34

5/6 Nephrectomy Using Sharp Bipolectomy Via Midline Laparotomy in Rats

Published on: April 4, 2025

1.4K

Related Concept Videos

Secondary Active Transport01:32

Secondary Active Transport

One example of how cells use the energy contained in electrochemical gradients is demonstrated by glucose transport into cells. The ion vital to this process is sodium (Na+), which is typically present in higher concentrations extracellularly than in the cytosol. Such a concentration difference is due, in part, to the action of an enzyme "pump" embedded in the cellular membrane that actively expels Na+ from a cell. Importantly, as this pump contributes to the high concentration of...
9.2K
Secondary Active Transport01:55

Secondary Active Transport

One example of how cells use the energy contained in electrochemical gradients is demonstrated by glucose transport into cells. The ion vital to this process is sodium (Na+), which is typically present in higher concentrations extracellularly than in the cytosol. Such a concentration difference is due, in part, to the action of an enzyme “pump” embedded in the cellular membrane that actively expels Na+ from a cell. Importantly, as this pump contributes to the high concentration of...
136.3K
Glucose Transporters01:27

Glucose Transporters

Glucose transporters facilitate the transport of glucose across the cell membrane. In addition to glucose, some glucose transporters can also aid the movement of other hexoses such as fructose, mannose, and galactose.
Facilitated diffusion-glucose transporters (GLUTs) are encoded by the solute-linked carrier (SLC) family 2, subfamily A gene family, or SLC2A. The 14 GLUT protein members are distributed into three classes:
27.0K
Glucose Absorption Into the Small Intestine01:26

Glucose Absorption Into the Small Intestine

Complex carbohydrates consumed cannot be absorbed into the small intestine in their original form. First, they must be hydrolyzed to a monosaccharide form such as glucose or galactose. These monosaccharides are then transported across the intestinal membrane and into the blood via transcellular transport. The intestinal epithelial cells allow the movement of these monosaccharides with a defined 'entry' through membrane transporter proteins present on their apical membrane and...
34.5K
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones01:26

Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones

Biguanides, particularly metformin (Glucophage), are insulin sensitizers that enhance glucose uptake, thereby reducing insulin resistance. Unlike sulfonylureas, metformin doesn't prompt insulin secretion, which helps to curb hypoglycemia risk. Metformin is beneficial in treating conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome due to its insulin-resistance reduction capability. The drug's primary action involves curtailing hepatic gluconeogenesis, a significant contributor to high blood...
543
Antihypertensive Drugs: Direct Renin Inhibitors01:25

Antihypertensive Drugs: Direct Renin Inhibitors

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is an intricate physiological pathway involving numerous enzymes and hormones, including renin, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensin I and II, and aldosterone. Imbalances within this system increase the production of angiotensin II and aldosterone. Increased angiotensin II levels promote vasoconstriction and blood pressure elevation. Concurrently, higher aldosterone levels stimulate sodium and water reabsorption in the kidneys,...
1.2K