RESUMO
Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, initially developed for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes, have demonstrated benefits in reducing heart failure hospitalizations, slowing chronic kidney disease, and decreasing major cardiovascular events. Recent studies have shown that SGLT2 inhibitors can elevate serum magnesium levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, suggesting potential benefits in managing refractory hypomagnesemia. This systematic review analyzed relevant case reports, observational studies, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to investigate the association between SGLT2 inhibitors and hypomagnesemia. The review adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and study quality was assessed using the CAse REport (CARE) guidelines. It encompassed four case reports, one retrospective observational study, one post-hoc analysis of 10 RCTs, and one meta-analysis of 18 RCTs, with a total study population of 19,767 patients. The meta-analysis revealed that SGLT2 inhibitors significantly increased serum magnesium levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, with a linear dose-dependent increase noted particularly for canagliflozin. Additionally, the case reports and other studies suggested that SGLT2 inhibitors could exert extraglycemic effects, potentially enhancing magnesium balance beyond their impact on urinary magnesium excretion. This systematic review underscores the effectiveness of SGLT2 inhibitors in addressing refractory hypomagnesemia linked with urinary magnesium wasting. It also suggests promising avenues for the application of these drugs in diverse patient populations.
RESUMO
This analysis critically examines the profit-driven marketing of digestive enzymes as over-the-counter (OTC) supplements in the context of India, expressing ethical concerns regarding pharmaceutical companies prioritizing financial gain over genuine public health needs within the lucrative OTC supplement market. The review delves into various enzymes, their mechanisms of action, uses, adverse drug reactions, and provides evidence from various studies. The research method involves the exploration of profit-driven strategies employed by pharmaceutical companies, addressing regulatory challenges, investigating the gap between dietary supplements and pharmaceutical drugs, and emphasizing the impact of direct-to-consumer advertising on self-diagnosis and overuse. Additionally, the study reviews various e-pharmacy platforms in India, assessing formulations and pricing. Key findings highlight the diverse formulations on these platforms, exposing insights into cost variations and indicating a regulatory gap that necessitates a comprehensive re-evaluation by Indian and international authorities. The analysis emphasizes the influence of direct-to-consumer advertising on behavior and potential health risks, raising ethical concerns about oversimplified health claims that overlook the necessity for individualized treatment plans. In conclusion, the study underscores the ethical complexity of prioritizing profit over public health and advocates for regulatory re-evaluation, exploring broader implications such as cultural influences and alternative therapies. The evolving landscape, featuring plant-based and microbe-derived alternatives, is presented as transformative, particularly in conditions like celiac disease.