Open AccessSGLT2 Inhibitors: Physiology and Pharmacology
Author(s) -
Ernest M. Wright
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
kidney360
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2641-7650
DOI - 10.34067/kid.0002772021
Subject(s) - phlorizin , renal glucose reabsorption , reabsorption , renal physiology , pharmacology , medicine , chemistry , endocrinology , glucose transporter , diabetes mellitus , renal function , kidney , type 2 diabetes , insulin
SGLTs are sodium glucose transporters found on the luminal membrane of the proximal tubule, where they reabsorb some 180 g (1 mol) of glucose from the glomerular filtrate each day. The natural glucoside phlorizin completely blocks glucose reabsorption. Oral SGLT2 inhibitors are rapidly absorbed into the blood stream, where theyremain in the circulation for hours. On glomerular filtration, they bind specifically to SGLT2 in the luminal membrane of the early proximal tubule to reduce glucose reabsorption by 50%–60%. Because of glucose excretion, these drugs lower plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The drugs also protect against heart and renal failure. The aim of this review is to summarize what is known about the physiology of renal SGLTs and the pharmacology of SGLT drugs.