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Anti-inflammatory effects of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors on atherosclerosis

Yingxiu Kang1, Fenfen Zhan2, Minzhi He3

  • 1Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 88 Jiefang Rd, Zhejiang 310009, PR China.

Vascular Pharmacology
|August 20, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) protect against cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes. These drugs reduce inflammation and improve plaque stability, slowing atherosclerosis progression.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Atherosclerosis is a major complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
  • Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in T2DM patients.
  • Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) are a novel drug class for T2DM management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the cardiovascular protective effects of SGLT-2i in patients with T2DM and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).
  • To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of SGLT-2i on atherosclerosis beyond glycemic control.

Main Methods:

  • Review of large-scale clinical trials and scientific literature.
  • Analysis of SGLT-2i's impact on inflammation, volume load, and renal function.
  • Examination of effects on arterial plaque stability and cellular processes.

Main Results:

  • SGLT-2i demonstrate significant cardiovascular protective effects in patients with T2DM and ASCVD.
  • Mechanisms include reduced inflammation, volume load, and renal protection.
  • SGLT-2i inhibit inflammatory factors, foam cell formation, and macrophage infiltration.
  • SGLT-2i promote arterial plaque stability.

Conclusions:

  • SGLT-2i offer substantial cardiovascular benefits in T2DM patients at risk for or with established ASCVD.
  • Therapeutic effects are mediated by multifaceted actions including anti-inflammatory and plaque-stabilizing properties.
  • SGLT-2i represent a key therapeutic strategy for managing atherosclerosis in T2DM.
Keywords:
AtherosclerosisCardiovascular diseaseDiabetes mellitusInflammationSGLT-2 inhibitors

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