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Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors in Depression
David T Liebers1, Wataru Ebina, Dan V Iosifescu
1From Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine (Drs. Liebers and Iosifescu); Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine (Dr. Ebina); Clinical Research Division, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY (Dr. Iosifescu).
Harvard Review of Psychiatry
|July 12, 2023
Summary
Novel treatments for depression are needed. This research explores how SGLT2 inhibitors, by inducing ketogenesis, may improve brain energy metabolism and mood in depressive disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Metabolic Disorders
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Depressive disorders lack sufficient novel treatment strategies.
- Abnormal brain bioenergetic metabolism is a potential neurobiological basis for depression.
- Endogenous ketones show neuroprotective potential and can enhance brain bioenergetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the hypothesis that SGLT2 inhibitors can treat depressive disorders.
- To investigate the role of SGLT2 inhibitor-induced ketogenesis in mood improvement.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing research on SGLT2 inhibitors and ketogenesis.
- Analysis of population-based studies linking SGLT2 inhibitors to mood improvement.
- Highlighting the rationale for SGLT2 inhibitors as a potential depression treatment.
Main Results:
- SGLT2 inhibitors, used for diabetes, induce ketogenesis.
- Population studies associate SGLT2 inhibitors with improved mood.
- Ketogenesis may enhance brain energy metabolism and offer mood benefits.
Conclusions:
- SGLT2 inhibitor-induced ketogenesis presents a novel therapeutic target for depression.
- This approach offers an alternative treatment strategy by targeting brain bioenergetics.
- Further research is warranted to validate SGLT2 inhibitors for depressive disorders.
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