Beneficial effects of luseogliflozin on lipid profile and liver function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (BLUE trial): a single-center, single-arm, open-label prospective study

Abstract Background Arteriosclerosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are major complications of diabetes mellitus. Hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, obesity, and metabolic syndrome are associated with the progression of these complications. Sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors such as luseogliflozin are oral hypoglycemic agents that reduce glucose levels, induce loss of weight or body fat, and improve liver function. However, the effects of these agents on lipid profiles are unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate these effects and their relationship with arteriosclerosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Methods This single-center, single-arm, open-labeled prospective study enrolled 25 outpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who visited Minami Osaka Hospital. Laboratory tests and body measurements were performed at weeks 0 and 24. Luseogliflozin was started at 2.5 mg/day after breakfast, and data from weeks 0 and 24 were evaluated. There were no changes in the doses of other antidiabetic and dyslipidemia drugs a month prior to or during the study. Results The patients showed significant reductions in the levels of triglycerides, remnant-like particle cholesterol, and triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, along with significant increases in the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-1. Alanine aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, and the fatty liver index were significantly reduced. Conclusions Luseogliflozin-induced changes in the lipid profile were related to the suppression or improvement of arteriosclerosis and liver function, respectively. Patients who received this drug also showed improvements in the levels of liver enzymes and reductions in the fatty liver index. Earlier use of luseogliflozin might prevent diabetic complications. Trial registration This study was registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trial Registry (UMIN 000043595) on April 6th, 2021