Amelioration of endothelial dysfunction by sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors: pieces of the puzzle explaining their cardiovascular protection

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Abstract

Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2is) improve cardiovascular outcomes in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Preclinical studies suggest that SGLT-2is directly affect endothelial function in a glucose-independent manner. The effects of SGLT-2is include decreased oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions in endothelial cells. Furthermore, SGLT2is restore endothelium-related vasodilation and regulate angiogenesis. The favourable cardiovascular effects of SGLT-2is could be mediated via a number of pathways: (1) inhibition of the overactive sodium-hydrogen exchanger; (2) decreased expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases; (3) alleviation of mitochondrial injury; (4) suppression of inflammation-related signalling pathways (e.g., by affecting NF-κB); (5) modulation of glycolysis; and (6) recovery of impaired NO bioavailability. This review focuses on the most recent progress and existing gaps in preclinical investigations concerning the direct effects of SGLT-2is on endothelial dysfunction and the mechanisms underlying such effects.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)4047-4062
Number of pages16
JournalBritish journal of pharmacology
Volume179
Issue number16
Early online date2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2022

Keywords

  • endothelial dysfunction
  • inflammation
  • reactive oxygen species
  • sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors
  • sodium-hydrogen exchanger

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