The effect of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on blood interleukin-6 concentration: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND: The low-grade chronic inflammation in diabetes plays an important role in development of cardiovascular and renal complications. Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are recognized as protective agents for cardio-renal complications. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is positively associated with the pathophysiology of metabolic-related pathologies. The aim of this meta-analysis is to investigate the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on blood IL-6 concentration in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: Embase, PubMed, and Scopus were systematically searched up to 1(st) of November 2023. The eligible studies were RCTs with adult population that had provided blood IL-6 for both control and intervention groups. Cochrane risk-of-bias tool were for study quality assessment. Data were analyzed using random effect model via Stata statistical software. RESULTS: Eighteen studies with a total of 5311 patients were included. Of which 3222 and 2052 patients were in intervention and control arm, respectively. Of the total population, 49.7% were men. The study durations ranged from 8 to 52 weeks. The pooled analysis showed a significant association between the use of SGLT2 inhibitors and lower IL-6 levels (standardized mean difference (SMD) = -1.04, Confidence Interval (CI): -1.48; -0.60, I(2) = 96.93%). Dapagliflozin was observed to have a higher IL-6-lowering effect (SMD = -1.30, CI: -1.89; -0.71, I(2) = 92.52) than empagliflozin or canagliflozin. Sub-group analysis of control groups (SMD = -0.58 (-1.01, -0.15) and -1.35 (-2.00, -0.70 for the placebo and active control sub-groups, respectively) and duration of interventions (SMD = -0.78 (-1.28, -0.28) and -1.20 (-1.86, -0.55) for study duration of ≤ 12 and > 12 weeks, respectively) did not change the results. Meta-regression analysis showed a significant correlation between the level of HbA(1c) and IL-6-lowering efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors. CONCLUSION: IL-6 levels are significantly reduced with the use of SGLT2 inhibitors with HbA(1c) as the only marker influencing such reductions, and dapagliflozin had the highest potency. The anti-inflammatory effect of SGLT2 inhibitors supports their broader use to address diabetic complications related to inflammatory responses. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12902-023-01512-1.