Separate and combined effects of semaglutide and empagliflozin on kidney oxygenation and perfusion in people with type 2 diabetes: a randomised trial
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1ras) and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) have shown kidney-protective effects. Improved kidney oxygenation and haemodynamic changes are suggested mechanisms; however, human data are scarce. We therefore investigated whether semaglutide (GLP-1ra), empagliflozin (SGLT2i) or their combination improve kidney oxygenation and perfusion.
METHODS: The trial was undertaken at Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark. A total of 120 people with type 2 diabetes (HbA1c ≥48 mmol/mol [6.5%]) and at high risk of CVD (age ≥50 years) were randomised into four parallel groups (n=30 in each group) for 32 weeks: 1.0 mg semaglutide (open label); 10 mg empagliflozin (blinded to participants, caregivers, examiners and outcome assessors); their combination (1.0 mg semaglutide open label plus 10 mg empagliflozin blinded to participants, caregivers, examiners and outcome assessors); and placebo tablet (blinded to participants, caregivers, examiners and outcome assessors). Sequentially numbered, sealed envelopes containing computer-generated randomisation codes, provided by Glostrup Pharmacy, Glostrup, Denmark, determined the intervention. The two co-primary outcomes were change in kidney oxygenation and change in arterial stiffness. This paper reports on kidney oxygenation, for which 80 individuals as prespecified, 20 in each group, underwent MRI. We primarily hypothesised that kidney oxygenation would be improved in the…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 120 participants or records.
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