SGLT-2 inhibitors: pharmacokinetics characteristics and effects on lipids

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is characterized by increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Atherogenic dyslipidemia is common in this population, consisting of the triad of increased triglycerides, increased small dense low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, leading to increased cardiovascular risk.Areas covered: Aim of the review is the presentation of pharmacokinetic characteristics of the currently available sodium-glucose cotransporters 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors and the effects of these drugs on lipid metabolism. SGLT-2 inhibitors share a common favorable pharmacokinetic profile, are orally administered with long half-lives (allowing for a once daily dosing) and have been proven to be effective in reducing blood glucose levels. However, the SGLT-1 inhibitory capacity differs between these drugs, an effect that may affect their antidiabetic and cardiovascular effects. SGLT-2 inhibitors alter serum lipids modestly ...