HEPATIC BENEFITS OF SODIUM-GLUCOSE COTRANSPORTER 2 INHIBITORS IN LIVER DISORDERS

Diabetic patients are at higher risk of liver dysfunction compared with the normal population. Thus, using hypo-glycemic agents to improve liver efficiency is important in these patients. Sodium-glucose cotransporters-2 inhib-itors (SGLT2i) are newly developed antidiabetic drugs with potent glucose-lowering effects. However, recent limited evidence suggests that they have extra-glycemic benefits and may be able to exert protective effects on the liver. Hence, these drugs could serve as promising pharmacological agents with multiple benefits against different hepatic disorders. In this review, the current knowledge about the possible effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on different forms of liver complications and possible underlying mechanisms are discussed.

Automated summary

Diabetic patients are more prone to liver dysfunction, making it crucial to use hypoglycemic agents to improve liver efficiency. Sodium-glucose cotransporters-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are newly developed antidiabetic drugs with potent glucose-lowering effects. Recent evidence suggests that they may have extra-glycemic benefits and can potentially protect the liver against different hepatic disorders. This review discusses the current knowledge about the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on various forms of liver complications and the underlying mechanisms.