ERtugliflozin triAl in DIabetes With Preserved or Reduced ejeCtion FrAcTion mEchanistic Evaluation in Heart Failure

Newer agents called sodium glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have been developed to improve glycemic control and lower hemoglobin A1c by increasing glycosuria. SGLT2i also reduce blood pressure and albuminuria in T2D - possibly through natriuresis. Importantly, a landmark trial "EMPA-REG OUTCOME" demonstrated that the SGLT2i "empagliflozin" is the first anti- hyperglycemic agent to reduce mortality and HF risk, and also to decrease the risk of progressive diabetic nephropathy. Similar benefits were also recently reported in the CANVAS Program trial with canagliflozin. Despite the benefits observed in these two pivotal trials, the mechanisms responsible for beneficial effects of SGLT2i in patients with T2D with respect to the development and/or worsening of HF are not currently known.

In light of the results of EMPA-REG OUTCOME, the investigators aim to elucidate the mechanisms whereby the SGLT2i "ertugliflozin" modifies cardiorenal interactions that regulate fluid volume and neurohormonal activation in patients with T2D and HF (T2D-HF). The investigators will test the hypothesis that ertugliflozin increases proximal tubular natriuresis, thereby reducing plasma volume, without inducing significant renal vasoconstriction or activation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) (see below, Figure 1). The systematic understanding of the effects of SGLT2i in the setting of HF will enable the design of rational physiology based strategies to decrease the burden of HF, which could have major clinical and research implications internationally.