Sodium/glucose cotransporter 2

The sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 is a protein, which facilitates glucose transport and is regulated by sodium ions. In humans it is encoded by the solute carrier family 5 gene, located in chromosome 16, specifically in the band 16p11.2.

Function

SGLT2 is a member of the sodium glucose cotransporter family, which are sodium-dependent glucose transport proteins. SGLT2 is the major cotransporter involved in glucose reabsorption in the kidney. SGLT2 is located in the early proximal tubule, and is responsible for reabsorption of 80-90% of the glucose filtered by the kidney glomerulus. Most of the remaining glucose absorption is by sodium/glucose cotransporter 1 in more distal sections of the proximal tubule.

SGLT2 inhibitors are also called gliflozins or flozins. They lead to a reduction in blood glucose levels, and therefore have potential use in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Gliflozins enhance glycemic control as well as reduce body weight and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The gliflozins canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin may lead to euglycemic ketoacidosis. Other side effects of gliflozins include increased risk of Fournier gangrene and of genital infections such as candidal vulvovaginitis.

Mutations in this gene are also associated with renal glycosuria.
Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors were associated with significant long-term reductions in mortality risk for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, according to an observational cohort study. The study revealed that after one year, 8.1% of PAH patients prescribed SGLT2 inhibitors had died, compared to 15.5% of those who did not take the medication.