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SGLT2 inhibitors, sodium and off-target effects: an overview

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Abstract

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a relatively new class of antidiabetic drugs that in addition to emerging as an effective antihyperglycemic treatment have been shown to improve, in several trials, both renal and cardiovascular outcomes. In consideration of the renal site of action and the associated osmotic diuresis, a negative sodium balance has been postulated during SGLT2i administration. Actually, sodium and water depletion may contribute to some positive actions of SGLT2i but evidence is far from being conclusive and the real physiologic effects of SGLT2i on sodium remain largely unknown. Indeed, no study has yet investigated how SGLT2i change sodium balance in the long term and especially the pathways through which the natriuretic effect is expressed. Furthermore, several experimental studies have recently identified different pathways, not directly linked to tubular sodium handling, which could contribute to the renal and cardiovascular benefits associated with SGLT2i. This paper will review the evidence of SGLT2i action on sodium transporters, their off-target effects and their potential role on kidney protection.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Nephrology, Dialysis and Renal Transplantation Unit, Vito Fazzi Hospital, Lecce, Italy

    Antonio De Pascalis

  2. Nephrology, Dialysis and Renal Transplant Unit, Department of Experimental Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

    Giuseppe Cianciolo, Irene Capelli & Gaetano La Manna

  3. Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Hospital of Trento, Trento, Italy

    Giuliano Brunori

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Correspondence to Antonio De Pascalis.

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De Pascalis, A., Cianciolo, G., Capelli, I. et al. SGLT2 inhibitors, sodium and off-target effects: an overview. J Nephrol 34, 673–680 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40620-020-00845-7

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