Impact of Antiglycemic & Immunosuppressive Therapies on NETosis in Diabetes & Kidney Disease (NETs - Neutrophil Traps)

Overview

This study aims to investigate whether new glucose-lowering medications, such as SGLT2 inhibitors (e.g., Forxiga/Jardiance) and GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., Ozempic), can reduce NETosis in diabetic patients, thereby mitigating secondary complications such as cardiovascular disease and kidney damage. By targeting dysregulated NET formation, the study seeks to establish a link between reduced NETosis and improved clinical outcomes in diabetes. Additionally, the study will evaluate the effects of immunosuppressive therapies on NETosis in patients with immune-mediated kidney diseases, such as ANCA-associated vasculitis. By correlating NETosis activity with disease progression and treatment response, this research will assess whether reducing NETosis contributes to better management of inflammation and secondary morbidity in these conditions. Through these evaluations, the study aims to identify potential therapeutic strategies to improve outcomes in both diabetic and chronic kidney disease populations.

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are an essential component of the innate immune system, designed to trap and neutralize invading pathogens. NETosis, the process by which neutrophils release decondensed chromatin (DNA and histones) decorated with antimicrobial proteins such as myeloperoxidase (MPO) and neutrophil elastase (NE), is a critical mechanism in host defense. This process is induced by stimuli such as PMA, antibodies, cytokines, chemokines, and sterile triggers, including high glucose, cholesterol, and hypoxia. This stimulation activates the Raf-MEK-ERK pathway and NADPH oxidase-dependent production of reactive oxygen species.1,2 An increase in cytosolic calcium cations activates NADPH oxidases and acts as a cofactor for peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4). PAD4 catalyzes citrullinated histone H3 (Cit-H3) inducing chromatin decondensation, resulting in a cell extrusion of mixture of DNA and bactericidal proteins, including MPO and NE, which all serves as a specific markers of NETosis.1,2 While beneficial in infection settings, excessive or dysregulated NET formation can cause significant tissue damage and organ dysfunction. NETs have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various acute and chronic inflammatory diseases, including myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Elevated NETosis markers, including cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and Cit-H3, are commonly observed in these conditions, underscoring their role in disease progression.3 Given the dual nature of NETosis, understanding how different factors influence this process is critical for developing targeted therapies. This study focuses on two key aspects: evaluating the effects of antiglycemic medications on NETosis and investigating NETosis across different stages of immune-mediated kidney disease before and after immunosuppressive therapy. (The hemodialysis part of this trial is not included in the current protocol) Part 1: Evaluating the Effects of Antiglycemic Medications on NETosis Dysregulated NETosis in diabetic and CKD patients contributes to systemic inflammation and organ damage. Studies have shown elevated levels of NETosis markers, such as cfDNA and Cit-H3, in these populations. While metformin has demonstrated the ability to reduce NET formation in diabetic patients, the effects of newer glucose-lowering agents, including SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists, remain unexplored.4 Both SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists have demonstrated robust cardiovascular and renal protective effects.5 This study aims to evaluate their impact on basal and stimulated NETosis in diabetic and CKD patients with various etiologies. By analyzing NETosis markers before and after treatment, this research will provide insights into whether these agents can modulate NETosis, thereby offering additional anti-inflammatory benefits and reducing disease-associated complications. Part 2: Evaluating NETosis at Different Stages of Immune-Mediated Kidney Disease and After Immunosuppressive Therapy Immune-mediated kidney diseases, such as ANCA-associated vasculitis, involve heightened NETosis that contributes to kidney injury and systemic inflammation.2 Chronic kidney disease resulting from these conditions often exhibits elevated NET formation, exacerbating disease progression. This study seeks to investigate the dynamics of NETosis at various stages of CKD caused by immune-mediated diseases. In addition, the effects of immunosuppressive therapy on NETosis will be assessed. Immunosuppressive medications, a cornerstone in the treatment of diseases like ANCA-associated vasculitis, can influence neutrophil activity. By monitoring NETosis markers, including cfDNA, Cit-H3, MPO, and NE, before and after initiating immunosuppressive therapy, the study aims to identify patterns of response and the potential therapeutic modulation of NETosis. Conclusion This comprehensive investigation into the effects of antiglycemic medications and immunosuppressive therapy on NETosis will provide critical insights into the interplay between treatment, inflammation, and disease progression in diabetic and CKD patients. These findings may help pave the way for targeted interventions aimed at modulating NETosis and improving outcomes in high-risk populations.