Abstract
Introduction Empagliflozin, a known inhibitor of sodium-glucose
cotransporter type 2 (SGLT2) decreases glucose reabsorption by the renal tubules
and promotes glucose excretion into the urine. While the effectiveness of
Empagliflozin in the management of hyperglycemia along with associated
cardiovascular and all-cause mortality has been demonstrated previously, the
therapeutic benefits associated with the long-term use of this drug in obese
animals have yet to be investigated.
Methods Male 5-week-old lean and obese Zucker rats were randomly assigned
to one of the 4 groups- lean control, lean treated, obese control, obese treated
and treated with either Empagliflozin (10 mg/kg BW /
day) or placebo for 25 weeks to investigate the therapeutic effect of
Empagliflozin.
Results Empagliflozin treatment in the obese animals was associated with
decreased body weight, attenuated the loss of F-actin from the renal tubules and
improved renal structure and function. These changes in renal function were
associated with significant improvements in the glucose tolerance, and decreased
non-fasting circulatory levels of glucose, amylase, and other inflammatory
markers including NGAL, cystatin C, and clusterin.
Conclusion Long-term use of Empagliflozin in diabetic obese Zucker rats
is associated with improvements in glucose tolerance and decreased loss of renal
structure and function.
Key words
SGLT2 inhibitor - type 2 diabetes - glucose tolerance - inflammation
