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SGLT2 Inhibitors Confer Cardiovascular Protection via the Gut-Kidney-Heart Axis: Mechanisms and Translational
Yimei Tao1, Ning Zhang2, Zhaoxiang Wang2
1Department of Endocrinology, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Kunshan, Kunshan 215300, China.
Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) benefit heart and kidney health by improving the gut microbiome. These drugs modulate the gut-kidney-heart axis, reducing inflammation and metabolic stress for cardiorenal protection.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
- Cardiology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) offer cardiovascular and renal benefits beyond glucose lowering.
- The gut-kidney-heart axis, involving gut dysbiosis and inflammation, contributes to cardiorenal injury.
- Integrated mechanisms of SGLT2i action on this axis are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review how SGLT2i modulate the gut-kidney-heart axis.
- To integrate microecological, metabolic, and cross-organ protective effects of SGLT2i.
- To propose a novel framework for understanding SGLT2i mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of literature on SGLT2i and the gut-kidney-heart axis.
- Analysis of SGLT2i effects on gut microbiota composition and function.
- Evaluation of SGLT2i impact on metabolite profiles and intestinal barrier integrity.
Main Results:
- SGLT2i reshape gut microbiota, promoting beneficial bacteria and suppressing harmful ones.
- SGLT2i restore intestinal barrier integrity and regulate bile acid metabolism.
- These effects reduce systemic inflammation, metabolic stress, and myocardial remodeling.
Conclusions:
- SGLT2i exert cardiorenal protection by modulating the gut-kidney-heart axis through multi-level interventions.
- A unified framework highlights "three-axis convergence to the heart" via microecological and metabolic regulation.
- Future research should explore microbiota-targeted therapies and SGLT2i applications in non-diabetic populations.
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