Mechanisms Underlying SGLT2i Kidney Effect in DKD Progression

Recent years have seen an exponential increase in the incidence and prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Diabetes Mellitus is the leading cause of CKD. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is clinically defined by the presence of reduced kidney function and/or increased albuminuria for at least three months in patients with diabetes. However, not all patients with diabetes develop DKD and not all patients with DKD follow the same trajectory. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have recently shown significant nephroprotective benefits, making them a first-line therapy in DKD. Although the mechanisms underlying SGLT2i nephroprotection are not fully understood, preliminary data suggest a long-term benefit on metabolic, haemodynamics, and/or kidney injury pathways. SGLT2i have also been shown to be nephroprotective in mouse models, attenuating renal fibrosis in diabetes. These promising results underscore the potential of SGLT2i to avert severe CKD events through early intervention, particularly in patients at higher risk of progression. However, clinical, and genetic factors may influence response to SGLT2i in patients with comorbid conditions and already receiving antidiabetic and antihypertensive drugs. Thus, with the scope to personalised medicine, it would be key to early identify DKD patients with rapid progressive decline in renal function that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, who may benefit the most from SGLT2i therapy. To achieve this, biomarkers with heightened specificity and sensitivity to disease progression and response to treatment are urgently needed.

Renal multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) has recently shown great potential to investigate renal structure, microstructure, and function, facilitating the diagnosis and monitoring of CKD progression and response to treatment. Recent studies showed the ability of decreased renal blood flow - assessed by arterial spin labelling (ASL) MRI sequence - in detecting subclinical renal involvement in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD)-MRI sequence showed an acute effect on renal cortical oxygenation in response to SGLT2i treatment in type I diabetic patients with albuminuria.

mpMRI shows potential to investigate and quantify renal and perirenal adipose tissue (fat fraction), that is thought to play a significant role on the renal involvement in diabetes and obesity. mpMRI has also shown its ability to monitor the effects of SGLT2i treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Moreover, the hallmark of DKD pathogenesis is increased extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation causing thickening of the glomerular and tubular basement membranes, followed by mesangial expansion, sclerosis, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Dysregulated balance between levels of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs, involved in ECM degradation and hydrolysis) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMP) has been found in DKD patients, and altered serum and urine TIMP-1 levels have been linked with worsening glomerular lesions. MMP-10 null diabetic mice presented fewer mesangial expansion, renal macrophage infiltration and renal function impairment. These findings may support a deleterious kidney effect of MMP-10 in DKD.

To build on and validate these single-centre findings, a more precise risk stratification and an in-depth study of the underlying mechanisms are essential to personalise DKD renal management.

The PERSONALISE-DKD clinical study will aim at identifying and characterising DKD patients with moderate and severe risk of renal disease progression despite SGLT2i treatment, who could benefit the most from future clinical trials and health policies, possibly changing the paradigm of a disease that so far has been the main cause of advanced CKD.