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Updated: Sep 21, 2026
Murine Fecal Isolation and Microbiota Transplantation
Published on: May 26, 2023
Dapagliflozin modulates the faecal microbiota after myocardial infarction in non-diabetic mice
Zhongming Li1, Kai Wang2, Yinzhang Ding2
1Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
Abstract:
The gut microbiota seems to be a major modulator of cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction. Dapagliflozin, a sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i), is an antidiabetic agent that was recently utilized in patients with cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to investigate the effects of dapagliflozin on the faecal microbiota of postinfarction non-diabetic mice. A total of 19 male mice were randomly divided into three groups, where two groups were enduced with myocardial infarction (MI) by left anterior descending ligation. One day after the surgery, each group was administered normal saline (15 mL/kg/day, 0.9%) or dapagliflozin (1.5 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. Echocardiography was obtained on day 28 post MI. Masson's trichrome staining was used to determine the degree of fibrosis. Faecal samples were collected to assess the microbiome by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. We found that dapagliflozin significantly improved cardiac function in the non-diabetic myocardial infarction mice model after the 28-day treatment, especially in ejection fraction and fractional shortening (p < 0.01). Enterotypes were composed of Muribaculaceae and Lactobacillaceae after dapagliflozin treatment, while Muribaculaceae and Erysipelotrichaceae were the main enterotypes post-MI. Dapagliflozin increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillaceae, while decreasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteriaceae. It was interesting to discover that Proteobacteria (especially Desulfovibrionaceae) were enriched after the dapagliflozin treatment for myocardial infarction. Dapagliflozin increased the abundance of the main beneficial bacteria. In post-myocardial infarction treatments, using dapagliflozin could positively contribute to the improvement of cardiac function and alter the structure of faecal microbiota.
Insights
Dapagliflozin improved cardiac function in mice after myocardial infarction by altering gut microbiota composition. The treatment increased beneficial bacteria and positively impacted heart health.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Microbiome Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in cardiovascular disease development, including myocardial infarction.
- Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), like dapagliflozin, are used for diabetes and show potential in cardiovascular conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of dapagliflozin on the fecal microbiota of non-diabetic mice following myocardial infarction.
- To assess the therapeutic effects of dapagliflozin on cardiac function and gut microbiome structure post-myocardial infarction.
Main Methods:
- Myocardial infarction was induced in male mice, followed by administration of saline or dapagliflozin for 4 weeks.
- Cardiac function was evaluated using echocardiography, and cardiac fibrosis was assessed via Masson's trichrome staining.
- Fecal samples were analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing to determine microbial composition and changes.
Main Results:
- Dapagliflozin significantly improved cardiac function, notably ejection fraction and fractional shortening, in myocardial infarction mice (p < 0.01).
- Microbiome analysis revealed shifts in enterotypes, with an increase in beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillaceae and enrichment of Proteobacteria (Desulfovibrionaceae).
- Dapagliflozin treatment altered the gut microbiota structure, increasing beneficial bacteria abundance compared to the post-myocardial infarction state.
Conclusions:
- Dapagliflozin demonstrates a positive effect on cardiac function in a non-diabetic myocardial infarction mouse model.
- The therapeutic benefits of dapagliflozin are associated with significant alterations in the gut microbiota structure.
- Dapagliflozin holds potential as a post-myocardial infarction treatment, influencing both cardiac health and the gut microbiome.
