Effects of empagliflozin on biomarkers of renal injury, fibrosis and low-grade inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes
Abstract
BACKGROUND
: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have been implemented into the treatment standards for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Identification of predictors of the protective effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on the kidneys remains an urgent task.
AIM
: To evaluate the effects of the SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin on the levels of biomarkers of renal injury, fibrosis and low-grade inflammation in patients with T2D with CKD and/or high cardiovascular risk.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
: This prospective cohort single-center study included 30 patients with T2D newly initiated treatment with an SGLT2 inhibitor. Before and on day 90 of treatment with empagliflozin (10 mg/day), urinary excretion of nephrin, retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP-4), type IV collagen, and fibrosis marker WFDC-2, as well as serum concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and tumor necrosis factor receptor 1A alpha (TNFRSF1A) were determined by ELISA. Twenty healthy individuals were included in the control group.
RESULTS
: Patients with T2D compared to controls initially demonstrated higher excretion of nephrin (p=0.03), RBP-4 (p=0.001), type IV collagen (p=0.04) and WDFC-2 (p=0.02), as well as higher serum concentrations of hsCRP and TNFSF1A (p=0.03). Empagliflozin treatment was associated with a significant decrease in the excretion of RBP-4 (p=0.04) and TNFRSF1A levels (p0.05). Baseline RBP-4 excretion and serum TNFRSF1A levels were…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 30 participants or records.
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