SGLT2 Inhibitors Suppress NLRP3 Inflammasome Activity via Changes in Ketones and Insulin in Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases

SGLT2 inhibitors significantly reduce cardiovascular events in humans with T2D; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and subsequent IL-1β release induces atherosclerosis and heart failure. Recently, it was revealed that ketone bodies, i.e., β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) suppresses activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages. As SGLT2 inhibitors cause increases in serum BHB by pharmacologic profile, we assessed the effect of SGLT2 inhibitor on NLRP3 inflammasome activity. In a randomized, active-controlled study, a total of 61 patients with T2D and high cardiovascular risk (mean age and HbA 1C were 64.4 years and 7.32%, respectively) received SGLT2 inhibitor or sulfonylurea for 30 days. NLRP3 inflammasome activation was analyzed in macrophages and the serum levels of glucose, BHB, and insulin from baseline to the end of treatment were tested. While SGLT2 inhibitor’s glucose-lowering capacity was similar to sulfonylurea, it significantly decreased IL-1β secretion compared to baseline (2,394 ± 236 to 1,748 ± 295 pg/mL, p p = 0.05) (time × group interaction p In conclusion, SGLT2 inhibitors attenuate NLRP3 inflammasome activation, in part, via increased serum BHB and decreased serum insulin and glucose, which might help to explain the cardioprotective effects of SGLT2 inhibitor (clinicaltrials.govNCT02964572). Disclosure Y. Lee: None. S. Kim: None. J. Bae: None. B. Lee: None. E. Kang: None. C. Ahn: None. B. Cha: None.