Meta-analysis of the effect of sodium-dependent glucose transporter 2 inhibitors on C-reactive protein in type 2 diabetes

As novel hypoglycemic drugs, the effects of sodium-dependent glucose transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2I) on inflammatory factors such as C-reactive protein (CRP) remain unclear. METHODS: We conducted a meta-analysis of studies on SGLT-2I in the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) to observe the changes of CRP in patients with T2DM. We searched 4 electronic databases (CNKI, PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library) for articles published up to December 31, 2021. Studies were analyzed using a random-effects model to obtain standard deviation mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger test. RESULTS: We included data from 927 patients in 13 confirmatory trials that showed a significant decrease in CRP among patients with T2DM treated with SGLT-2I. The decrease was more significant with than without SGLT-2I. In subgroup analysis according to nationality, medication, and comorbidities, CRP reduction was associated with nationality, SGLT-2I type, and the presence of comorbidities. Sensitivity analysis showed that our results were reliable and found no evidence of substantial publication bias. CONCLUSIONS: SGLT-2I could reduce CRP levels in patients with T2DM. REGISTRATION: International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) number CRD42021268079.