Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors beyond glycemic control: Their role in acute kidney injury recovery

With notable Reno protective advantages beyond glycemic management, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have become a mainstay treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although SGLT2 inhibitors' involvement in the course of CKD has been well investigated, new research indicates that they may also have protective benefits in acute kidney injury (AKI), a condition for which there are few pharmacological treatments. The possible ways that SGLT2 inhibitors aid in AKI recovery are examined in this mini-review. These include mitochondrial protection, oxidative stress attenuation, anti-inflammatory effects, intraglomerular pressure decrease, and modulation of tubuloglomerular feedback. Although there is a lack of solid clinical trial data, preclinical models and observational studies suggest that SGLT2 inhibitors may lessen ischemia-reperfusion injury and contrast-induced nephropathy. This review addresses the possibility of incorporating SGLT2 inhibitors into AKI care regimens, critically evaluates the available data, and highlights important research gaps. Robust clinical trials are required to determine the safety, effectiveness, and ideal treatment window of SGLT2 inhibitors in this context, given the burden of AKI-related morbidity and mortality.