SGLT2 and cardiovascular events: why did EMPA-REG Outcomes surprise and what were the likely mechanisms?

Sattar, N. , McLaren, J., Kristensen, S. L., Preiss, D. and McMurray, J. J.V. (2016) SGLT2 and cardiovascular events: why did EMPA-REG Outcomes surprise and what were the likely mechanisms? Diabetologia, 59(7), pp. 1333-1339. (doi: 10.1007/s00125-016-3956-x) (PMID:27112340) (PMCID:PMC4901113)

Abstract

While the modest reduction in the primary composite outcome of myocardial infarction, stroke or cardiovascular death in the EMPA-REG Outcomes trial was welcome, the 30–40% reductions in heart failure hospitalisation (HFH) and cardiovascular and all-cause deaths in patients treated with empagliflozin were highly impressive and unexpected. In this review, we discuss briefly why cardiovascular endpoint trials for new diabetes agents are required and describe the results of the first four such trials to have reported, as a precursor to understanding why the EMPA-REG Outcomes results came as a surprise. Thereafter, we discuss potential mechanisms that could explain the EMPA-REG Outcomes results, concentrating on non-atherothrombotic effects. We suggest that the main driver of benefit may derive from the specific effects of sodium-glucose linked transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibition on renal sodium and glucose handling, leading to both diuresis and improvements in diabetes-related maladaptive renal arteriolar responses. These haemodynamic and renal effects are likely to be beneficial in patients with clinical or subclinical cardiac dysfunction. The net result of these processes, we argue, is an improvement in cardiac systolic and diastolic function and, thereby, a lower risk of HFH and sudden cardiac death. We also discuss whether other drugs in this class are likely to show similar cardiovascular benefits. Finally, areas for future research are suggested to better understand the relevant mechanisms and to identify other groups who may benefit from SGLT2 inhibitor therapy.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Correction available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00125-016-3987-3
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Kristensen, Mr Soren Lund and McLaren, Dr James and McMurray, Professor John and Preiss, Dr David and Sattar, Professor Naveed
• Authors: Sattar, N., McLaren, J., Kristensen, S. L., Preiss, D., and McMurray, J. J.V.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: Diabetologia
• Publisher: Springer-Verlag
• ISSN: 0012-186X
• ISSN (Online): 1432-0428
• Published Online: 25 April 2016
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2016 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Diabetologia 59(7):1333-1339
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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