Impact of SGLT2 Inhibitors on Corneal Nerve Morphology and Dendritic Cell Density in Type 2 Diabetes

• Published in: Ocular immunology and inflammation 2024-02, Vol.32 (2), p.234-241
• Main Authors: Asiedu, Kofi, Tummanapalli, Shyam Sunder, Alotaibi, Sultan, Wang, Leiao Leon, Dhanapalaratnam, Roshan, Kwai, Natalie, Poynten, Ann, Markoulli, Maria, Krishnan, Arun V
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cell Count; Cornea; Dendritic Cells; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - drug therapy; Humans; Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors - pharmacology; Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors - therapeutic use
• ISSN: 0927-3948; 1744-5078
• DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2023.2263789

This study aims to determine the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on corneal dendritic cell density and corneal nerve measures in type 2 diabetes. Corneal dendritic cell densities and nerve parameters were measured in people with type 2 diabetes treated with SGLT2 inhibitors (T2DM-SGLT2i) [n = 23] and those not treated with SGLT2 inhibitors (T2DM-no SGLT2i) [n = 23], along with 24 age and sex-matched healthy controls. There was a reduction in all corneal nerve parameters in type 2 diabetes groups compared to healthy controls (All parameters:  0.05). Central corneal dendritic cells were significantly reduced [mature (  = 0.03), immature (  = 0.06) and total (  = 0.002)] in the T2DM-SGLT2i group compared to the T2DM-no SGLT2i group. Significantly, higher mature (  = 0.04), immature (  = 0.004), total (  = 0.002) dendritic cell densities in the T2DM-no SGLT2i group were observed compared to the healthy controls. In the inferior whorl, no significant difference in immature (  = 0.27) and total dendritic cell densities (  = 0.16) between T2DM-SGLT2i and T2DM-no SGLT2i were observed except mature dendritic cell density (  = 0.018). No differences in total dendritic cell density were observed in the central (  > 0.09) and inferior whorl (  = 0.88) between T2DM-SGLT2i and healthy controls. The present study showed a reduced dendritic cell density in people with type 2 diabetes taking SGLT2 inhibitors compared to those not taking these medications.