Long-Term Treatment with Empagliflozin Attenuates Renal Damage in Obese Zucker Rat

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Endocrinology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Empagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, reduces renal glucose reabsorption and increases urinary glucose excretion.
• Previous studies confirmed Empagliflozin's efficacy in managing hyperglycemia, cardiovascular risks, and all-cause mortality.
• The long-term effects of Empagliflozin in obese animal models remained under-investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic benefits of long-term Empagliflozin administration in obese Zucker rats.
• To assess Empagliflozin's impact on body weight, renal structure and function, and metabolic parameters in obese subjects.

Main Methods:

• Male Zucker rats (lean and obese) were divided into four groups: lean control, lean treated, obese control, and obese treated.
• Animals received either Empagliflozin (10 mg/kg BW/day) or a placebo for 25 weeks.
• The study evaluated body weight, renal histology, glucose tolerance, and serum levels of glucose and inflammatory markers.

Main Results:

• Empagliflozin treatment in obese rats led to decreased body weight and attenuated F-actin loss in renal tubules.
• Significant improvements in renal structure and function were observed.
• Enhanced glucose tolerance and reduced levels of glucose, amylase, NGAL, cystatin C, and clusterin were noted.

Conclusions:

• Long-term Empagliflozin use in diabetic obese Zucker rats improved glucose tolerance.
• The treatment preserved renal structure and function, mitigating detrimental effects.
• Empagliflozin demonstrated potential as a therapeutic agent for managing metabolic and renal complications in obesity.