SGLT2 inhibitors and NLRP3 inflammasome: potential target in diabetic kidney disease

J Bras Nefrol. 2024 Oct-Dec;46(4):e20230187. doi: 10.1590/2175-8239-JBN-2023-0187en.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remains the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) worldwide. The pathogenesis of DKD is influenced by functional, histopathological, and immune mechanisms, including NLRP3 inflammasome activity and oxidative stress. The sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have shown metabolic benefits and the ability to slow the progression of DKD in several clinical studies over the years. Recent studies suggest that the antidiabetic activity also extends to inhibition of the inflammatory response, including modulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, reduction of pro-inflammatory markers and reduction of oxidative stress. Here we review the efficacy of SGLT2i in the treatment of CKD and discuss the role of the inflammatory response in the development of DKD, including its relationship to the NLRP3 inflammasome and oxidative stress.

Resumo: A doença renal do diabetes (DRD) permanece como a principal causa de doença renal crônica (DRC) mundialmente. A patogênese da DRD é influenciada por mecanismos funcionais, histopatológicos e imunológicos, incluindo a atividade do inflamassoma NLRP3 e estresse oxidativo. Os inibidores do cotransportador de sódio-glicose 2 (iSGLT2) demonstraram benefícios metabólicos e a capacidade de retardar a progressão da DRD em diversos estudos clínicos ao longo dos anos. Estudos recentes sugerem que a atividade antidiabética também se estende à inibição da resposta inflamatória, incluindo modulação do inflamassoma NLRP3, redução de marcadores pró-inflamatórios e redução do estresse oxidativo. Aqui, avaliamos a eficácia dos iSGLT2 no tratamento da DRC e discutimos o papel da resposta inflamatória no desenvolvimento da DRD, incluindo sua relação com o inflamassoma NLRP3 e o estresse oxidativo.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diabetic Nephropathies* / drug therapy
  • Diabetic Nephropathies* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Inflammasomes* / antagonists & inhibitors
  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein* / antagonists & inhibitors
  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein* / metabolism
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects
  • Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors* / pharmacology
  • Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors
  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein
  • Inflammasomes
  • NLRP3 protein, human