Efficacy and safety of aldosterone synthase inhibition with and without empagliflozin for chronic kidney disease: a randomised, controlled, phase 2 trial.

BACKGROUND: Excess aldosterone accelerates chronic kidney disease progression. This phase 2 clinical trial assessed BI 690517, an aldosterone synthase inhibitor, for efficacy, safety, and dose selection. METHODS: This was a multinational, randomised, controlled, phase 2 trial. People aged 18 years or older with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 30 to less than 90 mL/min/1·73 m2, a urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) of 200 to less than 5000 mg/g, and serum potassium of 4·8 mmol/L or less, taking an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker, were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to 8 weeks of empagliflozin or placebo run-in, followed by a second randomisation (1:1:1:1) to 14 weeks of treatment with once per day BI 690517 at doses of 3 mg, 10 mg, or 20 mg, or placebo. Study participants, research coordinators, investigators, and the data coordinating centre were masked to treatment assignment. The primary endpoint was the change in UACR measured in first morning void urine from baseline (second randomisation) to the end of treatment. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05182840) and is completed. FINDINGS: Between Feb 18 and Dec 30, 2022, of the 714 run-in participants, 586 were randomly assigned to receive BI 690517 or placebo. At baseline, 33% (n=196) were women, 67% (n=390) were men, 42% (n=244) had a racial identity other than White, and mean participant age was 63·8 years (SD 11·3). Mean baseline eGFR was 51·9 mL/min/1·73 m2 (17·7) and median UACR was 426 mg/g (IQR 205 to 889). Percentage change in first morning void UACR from baseline to the end of treatment at week 14 was -3% (95% CI -19 to 17) with placebo, -22% (-36 to -7) with BI 690517 3 mg, -39% (-50 to -26) with BI 690517 10 mg, and -37% (-49 to -22) with BI 690517 20 mg monotherapy. BI 690517 produced similar UACR reductions when added to empagliflozin. Investigator-reported hyperkalaemia occurred in 10% (14/146) of those in the BI 690517 3 mg group, 15% (22/144) in the BI 690517 10 mg group, and 18% (26/146) in the BI 690517 20 mg group, and in 6% (nine of 147) of those receiving placebo, with or without empagliflozin. Most participants with hyperkalaemia did not require intervention (86% [72/84]). Adrenal insufficiency was an adverse event of special interest reported in seven of 436 study participants (2%) receiving BI 690517 and one of 147 participants (1%) receiving matched placebo. No treatment-related deaths occurred during the study. INTERPRETATION: BI 690517 dose-dependently reduced albuminuria with concurrent renin-angiotensin system inhibition and empagliflozin, suggesting an additive efficacy for chronic kidney disease treatment without unexpected safety signals. FUNDING: Boehringer Ingelheim.

Empagliflozin Enhances Autophagy, Mitochondrial Biogenesis, and Antioxidant Defense and Ameliorates Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion in Nondiabetic Rats.

BACKGROUND: Recent meta-analyses have shown that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors alleviate chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury in diabetic patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of empagliflozin on renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) in nondiabetic rats and find the possible mechanisms. Experimental Approach. Eighteen male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups, including healthy control, ischemic control, and empagliflozin-treated group. Thirty minutes of bilateral renal ischemia was induced by clamping the renal hilum. Forty-eight hours after reopening the clamps, rats' blood samples and tissue specimens were collected. Empagliflozin 10 mg/kg was administered by gavage, 2 hours before ischemia and 24 hours after the first dose. RESULTS: I/R injury led to a significant rise in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen which was significantly decreased after treatment with empagliflozin. Empagliflozin also alleviated tubulointerstitial and glomerular damage and significantly decreased tissue histology scores. Empagliflozin decreased the increased levels of malondialdehyde, interleukin 1ß, and tumor necrosis factor α. SGLT2 inhibition increased the decreased expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and PPARG coactivator 1 alpha that conduct antioxidant defense and mitochondrial biogenesis, respectively. Furthermore, empagliflozin markedly increased LC3-II/LC3-I and bcl2/bax ratios, showing its beneficial effect on activation of autophagy and inhibition of apoptosis. Despite its effects on diabetic nephropathy, empagliflozin did not activate the Sestrin2/AMP-activated protein kinase pathway in this study. CONCLUSION: Empagliflozin improved renal I/R injury in nondiabetic rats in this study by promoting autophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis and attenuation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.

Bisphenol A Induces Histopathological, Hematobiochemical Alterations, Oxidative Stress, and Genotoxicity in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.).

Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the environmental endocrine disrupting toxicants and is widely used in the industry involving plastics, polycarbonate, and epoxy resins. This study was designed to investigate the toxicological effects of BPA on hematology, serum biochemistry, and histopathology of different organs of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). A total of 60 fish were procured and haphazardly divided into four groups. Each experimental group contained 15 fish. The fish retained in group A was kept as the untreated control group. Three levels of BPA 3.0, 4.5, and 6 mg/L were given to groups B, C, and D for 30 days. Result indicated significant reduction in hemoglobin (Hb), lymphocytes, packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cells (RBC), and monocytes in a dose-dependent manner as compared to the control group. However, significantly higher values of leucocytes and neutrophils were observed in the treated groups (P < 0.05). Results on serum biochemistry revealed that the quantity of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, and creatinine levels was significantly high (P < 0.05). Our study results showed significantly (P < 0.05) increase level of oxidative stress parameters like reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and lower values of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) in treated groups (4.5 mg/L and 6 mg/L)) in the brain, liver, gills, and kidneys. Our study depicted significant changes in erythrocytes (pear shaped erythrocytes, leptocytes, microcytes, spherocytes, erythrocytes with broken, lobed, micronucleus, blabbed, vacuolated nucleus, and nuclear remnants) among treated groups (4.5 mg/L and 6 mg/L). Comet assay showed increased genotoxicity in different tissues including the brain, liver, gills, and kidneys in the treated fish group. Based on the results of our experiment, it can be concluded that the BPA exposure to aquatic environment is responsible for deterioration of fish health, performance leading to dysfunction of multiple vital organs.

Dapagliflozin Ameliorates the Formation and Progression of Experimental Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms by Reducing Aortic Inflammation in Mice.

BACKGROUND: Dapagliflozin, a sodium glucose transporter protein-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor, reduces the risk for cardiovascular diseases. However, the influence of dapagliflozin on nondissecting abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) remains unclear. METHODS: AAAs were created in male C57BL/6 mice via intra-aortic porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) infusion. Mice were daily treated with dapagliflozin (1 or 5 mg/kg body weight) or an equal volume of vehicle through oral gavage beginning one day prior to PPE infusion for 14 days. To investigate its translational value, dapagliflozin or vehicle was also administered to mice with existing AAAs in another cohort. Aortic diameters were measured prior to (day 0 for baseline) and 14 days after PPE infusion. After sacrifice, mice aortae were collected, and following histological analyses were performed. RESULTS: Dapagliflozin treatment significantly reduced aneurysmal aortic expansion following PPE infusion as compared to vehicle treatment especially at 5 mg/kg body weight (approximately 21% and 33% decreases in 1 and 5 mg/kg treatment groups, respectively). The dose-dependent attenuation of AAAs by dapagliflozin was also confirmed on histological analyses. Dapagliflozin remarkably reduced aortic accumulation of macrophages, CD4+ T cells, and B cells particularly following dapagliflozin treatment at 5 mg/kg. Dapagliflozin treatment also markedly attenuated medial SMC loss. Though the difference was not significant, dapagliflozin treatment tended to attenuate CD8+ T cells and elastin degradation. Dapagliflozin treatment at 5 mg/kg caused a 53% reduction in neovessel density. Furthermore, dapagliflozin treatment mitigated further progress of existing AAAs. CONCLUSION: Dapagliflozin treatment ameliorated PPE-induced AAAs by inhibiting aortic leukocytes infiltration and angiogenesis.

Effect of empagliflozin on coronary microvascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus-A randomized, placebo-controlled cross-over study.

PURPOSE: Results from large scale cardiovascular outcome trials in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) have found that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) reduce cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure, but the mechanisms behind the beneficial cardiovascular effects are not fully understood. We tested the hypothesis that the SGLT2i, empagliflozin, improves non-endothelial dependent coronary microvascular function, thereby leading to better cardiac function. METHODS: Patients with DM2 followed at the endocrinology outpatient clinic at Bispebjerg University Hospital were included in a double blinded, placebo-controlled cross-over study. Participants were allocated equally to each treatment sequence using simple randomization and treated with empagliflozin 25 mg and placebo for 12 weeks, interrupted by 2 weeks wash-out period. The primary outcome was coronary microvascular function, assessed as coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) and measured with transthoracic doppler echocardiography. Echocardiographic parameters of cardiac function were measured, and blood samples were analyzed for a broad panel of cardiovascular biomarkers. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were randomized to each sequence and 10 and 9 completed the study according to protocol, respectively, and were included in the analysis of outcome parameters. We found no improvement in CFVR (change in the empagliflozin period was -0.16 (SD 0.58)). There were no effects on cardiac systolic function or indicators of cardiac filling pressure. Well-known effects of empagliflozin were obtained, such as weight loss and reduction in Hba1c level. Creatinine level increased but remained within normal range. We observed a clear trend of reduction in cardiovascular biomarkers after empagliflozin treatment and increased levels after the placebo period. No serious adverse reactions were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Despite effect on weight-loss, Hba1c and biomarkers, treatment with empagliflozin for 12 weeks did not improve CFVR in patients with DM2.

SGLT2 inhibitors therapy protects glucotoxicity-induced ß-cell failure in a mouse model of human KATP-induced diabetes through mitigation of oxidative and ER stress.

Progressive loss of pancreatic ß-cell functional mass and anti-diabetic drug responsivity are classic findings in diabetes, frequently attributed to compensatory insulin hypersecretion and ß-cell exhaustion. However, loss of ß-cell mass and identity still occurs in mouse models of human KATP-gain-of-function induced Neonatal Diabetes Mellitus (NDM), in the absence of insulin secretion. Here we studied the temporal progression and mechanisms underlying glucotoxicity-induced loss of functional ß-cell mass in NDM mice, and the effects of sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) therapy. Upon tamoxifen induction of transgene expression, NDM mice rapidly developed severe diabetes followed by an unexpected loss of insulin content, decreased proinsulin processing and increased proinsulin at 2-weeks of diabetes. These early events were accompanied by a marked increase in ß-cell oxidative and ER stress, without changes in islet cell identity. Strikingly, treatment with the SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin restored insulin content, decreased proinsulin:insulin ratio and reduced oxidative and ER stress. However, despite reduction of blood glucose, dapagliflozin therapy was ineffective in restoring ß-cell function in NDM mice when it was initiated at >40 days of diabetes, when loss of ß-cell mass and identity had already occurred. Our data from mouse models demonstrate that: i) hyperglycemia per se, and not insulin hypersecretion, drives ß-cell failure in diabetes, ii) recovery of ß-cell function by SGLT2 inhibitors is potentially through reduction of oxidative and ER stress, iii) SGLT2 inhibitors revert/prevent ß-cell failure when used in early stages of diabetes, but not when loss of ß-cell mass/identity already occurred, iv) common execution pathways may underlie loss and recovery of ß-cell function in different forms of diabetes. These results may have important clinical implications for optimal therapeutic interventions in individuals with diabetes, particularly for those with long-standing diabetes.

Chronic bisphenol A exposure triggers visual perception dysfunction through impoverished neuronal coding ability in the primary visual cortex.

Contrast perception is a fundamental visual ability that allows us to distinguish objects from the background. However, whether it is perturbed by chronic exposure to environmental xenoestrogen, bisphenol A (BPA), is still elusive. Here, we used adult cats to explore BPA-induced changes in contrast sensitivity (CS) and its underlying neuronal coding mechanism. Behavioral results showed that 14 days of BPA exposure (0.4 mg/kg/day) was sufficient to induce CS declines at the tested spatial frequencies (0.05-2 cycles/deg) in all four cats. Furthermore, based on multi-channel electrophysiological recording and interneuronal correlation analysis, we found that the BPA-exposed cats exhibited an obvious up-regulation in noise correlation in the primary visual cortex (area 17, A17), thus providing a population neuronal coding basis for their perceptual dysfunction. Moreover, single neuron responses in A17 of BPA-exposed cats revealed a slight but marked decrease in CS compared to that of control cats. Additionally, these neuronal responses presented an overt decrease in signal-to-noise ratio, accompanied by increased trial-to-trial response variability (i.e., noise). To some extent, these neuron population and unit dysfunctions in A17 of BPA-exposed cats were attributable to decreased response activity of fast-spiking neurons. Together, our findings demonstrate that chronic BPA exposure restricts contrast perception, in response to impoverished neuronal coding ability in A17.

Quantifying the relationship between dapagliflozin and loss of weight in type 1 diabetes mellitus patients.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVES: Dapagliflozin was the first oral treatment approved in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients, simultaneously improving body weight. However, the time course and dose effect of dapagliflozin on loss of weight in T1DM patients was still unknown. The present study aimed to investigate quantitative relationship between dapagliflozin and loss of weight in T1DM patients based on Model-based Meta-analysis. METHODS: Five dapagliflozin dosage groups, two of them were 5 mg/day and three of them were 10 mg/day, 1612 T1DM patients were analysed with maximal effect (Emax ) model, and evaluation index was change rate of body weight from baseline value. RESULTS: In these T1DM patients, dosages were not incorporated into model, indicating no significant dose-response relationship between 5 and 10 mg/day affecting loss of weight. Emax and the treatment duration to reach half of the maximal effects (ET50 ) of dapagliflozin influencing loss of weight in T1DM patients were -4.9% and 10.4 weeks, and the duration to achieve 25%, 50%, 75%, and 80% (plateau) of Emax were 3.5, 10.4, 31.2, and 41.6 weeks. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSIONS: It was the first time to explore quantitative relationship between dapagliflozin and loss of weight in T1DM patients. To achieve the plateau period in loss of weight, 5 mg/day dapagliflozin was required for at least 41.6 weeks.

C3/C3aR inhibition alleviates GMH-IVH-induced hydrocephalus by preventing microglia-astrocyte interactions in neonatal rats.

Activation of microglia and astrocytes following germinal matrix hemorrhage and intraventricular hemorrhage (GMH-IVH) plays a detrimental role in posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH). It is still unclear whether or how an interaction occurs between microglia and astrocytes in PHH. Here, we investigated the role of the C3/C3aR pathway in microglia and astrocyte interactions and whether C3/C3aR-targeted inhibition could alleviate PHH following GMH-IVH. A total of 152 Sprague-Dawley rats at postnatal day seven (P7) were enrolled in the study, and collagenase VII was used to induce GMH-IVH. Minocycline (45 mg/kg) was administered to inhibit microglial activation. Complement C3a peptide and C3aR antagonist (SB 290157, 10 mg/kg) were used to regulate the C3/C3aR pathway. As a result, the data demonstrated that periventricular C3aR+/Iba-1+ microglia and C3+/GFAP+ astrocytes were significantly increased in GMH-IVH pups at 28 days after surgery. Intranasal C3a peptide upregulated C3aR expression in microglia. Inhibition of microglia by minocycline decreased both C3+/GFAP+ astrocytes and the colocalization volume of Iba-1 and GFAP. In addition, intraperitoneally injected C3aRA alleviated the periventricular colocalization volume of microglia and astrocytes. Compared with vehicle-treated pups, the protein level of IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α in cerebral spinal fluid and brain tissue at 28 days following GMH-IVH were reduced in C3aRA-treated pups. Moreover, hydrocephalus was alleviated, and long-term cognitive ability were improved in the C3aRA-treated group. Our data presented simultaneous periventricular astrogliosis and microgliosis of pups following GMH-IVH and proved their potential interaction through the C3/C3aR pathway, indicating C3aRA as a potential pharmacological treatment of PHH in neonates.

Rationale and design of the effects of EMpagliflozin on left ventricular DIAstolic function in diabetes (EmDia) study.

BACKGROUND: Data of the EMPA-REG OUTCOME study have demonstrated a beneficial effect of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor empagliflozin on cardiovascular outcome in patients with type 2 diabetes. The reduction in cardiovascular mortality and hospitalization due to heart failure might be in part explained by the direct effects of empagliflozin on cardiac diastolic function. The EmDia trial investigates the short-term effects of empagliflozin compared to placebo on the left ventricular E/E' ratio as a surrogate of left ventricular diastolic function. METHODS: EmDia is a single-center, randomized, double-blind, two-arm, placebo-controlled, parallel group study of phase IV. Individuals with diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) are randomized 1:1 to receive empagliflozin 10 mg per day or a placebo for 12 weeks. The main inclusion criteria are diagnosed as T2DM with stable glucose-lowering and/or dietary treatment, elevated HbA1c level (6.5-10.0% if receiving glucose-lowering therapy, or 6.5-9.0% if drug-naïve), and diastolic cardiac dysfunction with left ventricular E/E'≥8. The primary end point is the difference of the change in the E/E' ratio by treatment groups after 12 weeks. Secondary end points include assessment of the effect of empagliflozin on left ventricular systolic function, measures of vascular structure and function, as well as humoral cardiovascular biomarkers (i.e. brain natriuretic peptide, troponin, C-reactive protein). In addition, the multidimensional biodatabase enables explorative analyses of molecular biomarkers to gain insights into possible mechanisms of the effects of empagliflozin on human health in a systems medicine-oriented, multiomics approach. CONCLUSION: By evaluating the short-term effect of empagliflozin with a comprehensive biobanking program, the EmDia Study offers an opportunity to primarily assess the effects on diastolic function but also to examine effects on clinical and molecular cardiovascular traits. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT02932436. Registration date, 2016/10/13.

Antifibrotic effects of low dose SGLT2 Inhibition with empagliflozin in comparison to Ang II receptor blockade with telmisartan in 5/6 nephrectomised rats on high salt diet.

To date, the lowest protective SGLT2 inhibitor dose is unknown. We initially performed a dose-response pilot study in normal rats. Based on the results of this pilot study we compared the cardio-renal effects of the SGLT-2 inhibitor empagliflozin, with placebo or telmisartan in rats with 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6 Nx) on a high salt diet (HSD). The experimental set up was as follows: Sham operation (Sham) with normal diet and placebo; 5/6 Nx with 2% HSD and placebo; 5/6 Nx with HSD and empagliflozin (0.6 mg/kg/day, bid); 5/6 Nx with HSD and telmisartan (5 mg/kg/day, qd). Empagliflozin treatment increased urinary glucose excretion, in parallel to empagliflozin plasma levels, in a dose-dependent manner starting at doses of 1 mg/kg in the pilot study. 5/6Nx rats on HSD treated with this low empagliflozin dose showed significantly reduced cardiac (-34.85%; P < 0.05) and renal (-33.68%; P < 0.05) fibrosis in comparison to 5/6Nx rats on HSD treated with placebo. These effects were comparable to the effects observed when implementing the standard dose (5 mg/kg/day) of telmisartan (cardiac fibrosis: -36.37%; P < 0.01; renal fibrosis; -43.96%; P < 0.01). RNA-sequencing followed by confirmatory qRT-PCR revealed that both telmisartan and empagliflozin exert their cardiac effects on genes involved in vascular cell stability and cardiac iron homeostasis, whereas in the kidneys expression of genes involved in endothelial function and oxidative stress were differentially expressed. Urinary adenosine excretion, a surrogate marker of the tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) mechanism, was not affected. In conclusion, the antifibrotic properties of low dose empagliflozin were comparable to a standard dose of telmisartan. The underlying pathways appear to be TGF independent.

Dapagliflozin, metformin, monotherapy or both in patients with metabolic syndrome.

The present study evaluated the effects of dapagliflozin, a SGLT2 inhibitor, or dapagliflozin plus metformin versus metformin monotherapy in patients with metabolic syndrome. This study included patients who admitted in Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019 and were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. A total of 248 participants were randomly assigned to divide into three groups: dapagliflozin group; metformin group; dapagliflozin in combined with metformin group. Dapagliflozin group and metformin group were associated with similar improvements in components of metabolic syndrome. Relative to dapagliflozin or metformin monotherapy, dapagliflozin combined with metformin provided greater improvements in components of metabolic syndrome. So did HOMA-IR scores, fasting plasma insulin and inflammatory indicators (hsCRP, PMN/HDL-C and Monocytes/HDL-C). Dapagliflozin improved all components of metabolic syndrome in patients with metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, dapagliflozin combined with metformin showed more meaningful improvements in any of components of metabolic syndrome than dapagliflozin or metformin monotherapy.

Different Responses of Muscle Sympathetic Nerve Activity to Dapagliflozin Between Patients With Type 2 Diabetes With and Without Heart Failure.

Background Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors improve cardiovascular outcomes in patients with diabetes with and without heart failure (HF). However, their influence on sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors on SNA and compare the responses of SNA to sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes with and without HF. Methods and Results Eighteen patients with type 2 diabetes, 10 with HF (65.4±3.68 years) and 8 without HF (63.3±3.62 years), were included. Muscle SNA (MSNA), heart rate, and blood pressure were recorded before and 12 weeks after administration of dapagliflozin (5 mg/day). Sympathetic and cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity were simultaneously calculated. Brain natriuretic peptide level increased significantly at baseline in patients with HF than those without HF, while MSNA, blood pressure, and hemoglobin A1c did not differ between the 2 groups. Fasting blood glucose and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance did not change in either group after administering dapagliflozin. MSNA decreased significantly in both groups. However, the reduction in MSNA was significantly higher in patients with HF than patients with non-HF (-20.2±3.46 versus -9.38±3.65 bursts/100 heartbeats; P=0.049), which was concordant with the decrease in brain natriuretic peptide. Conclusions Dapagliflozin significantly decreased MSNA in patients with type 2 diabetes regardless of its blood glucose-lowering effect. Moreover, the reduction in MSNA was more prominent in patients with HF than in patients with non-HF. These results indicate that the cardioprotective effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors may, in part, be attributed to improved SNA.

Empagliflozin Ameliorates Free Fatty Acid Induced-Lipotoxicity in Renal Proximal Tubular Cells via the PPARγ/CD36 Pathway in Obese Mice.

High serum levels of free fatty acids (FFAs) could contribute to obesity-induced nephropathy. CD36, a class B scavenger receptor, is a major receptor mediating FFA uptake in renal proximal tubular cells. Empagliflozin, a new anti-diabetic agent, is a specific inhibitor of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 channels presented on renal proximal tubular cells and inhibits glucose reabsorption. In addition, empagliflozin has shown renoprotective effects. However, the mechanism through which empagliflozin regulates CD36 expression and attenuates FFA-induced lipotoxicity remains unclear. Herein, we aimed to elucidate the crosstalk between empagliflozin and CD36 in FFA-induced renal injury. C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and palmitic acid-treated HK-2 renal tubular cells were used for in vivo and in vitro assessments. Empagliflozin attenuated HFD-induced body weight gain, insulin resistance, and inflammation in mice. In HFD-fed mice, CD36 was upregulated in the tubular area of the kidney, whereas empagliflozin attenuated CD36 expression. Furthermore, empagliflozin downregulated the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ. Treatment with a PPARγ inhibitor (GW9662) did not further decrease PPARγ expression, whereas a PPARγ antagonist reversed this effect; this suggested that empagliflozin may, at least partly, decrease CD36 by modulating PPARγ. In conclusion, empagliflozin can ameliorate FFA-induced renal tubular injury via the PPARγ/CD36 pathway.

Bisphenol A single and repeated treatment increases HDAC2, leading to cholinergic neurotransmission dysfunction and SN56 cholinergic apoptotic cell death through AChE variants overexpression and NGF/TrkA/P75NTR signaling disruption.

Bisphenol-A (BPA), a widely used plasticizer, induces cognitive dysfunctions following single and repeated exposure. Several studies, developed in hippocampus and cortex, tried to find the mechanisms that trigger and mediate these dysfunctions, but those are still not well known. Basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCN) innervate hippocampus and cortex, regulating cognitive function, and their loss or the induction of cholinergic neurotransmission dysfunction leads to cognitive disabilities. However, no studies were performed in BFCN. We treated wild type or histone deacetylase (HDAC2), P75NTR or acetylcholinesterase (AChE) silenced SN56 cholinergic cells from BF with BPA (0.001 µM-100 µM) with or without recombinant nerve growth factor (NGF) and with or without acetylcholine (ACh) for one- and fourteen days in order to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these effects. BPA induced cholinergic neurotransmission disruption through reduction of ChAT activity, and produced apoptotic cell death, mediated partially through AChE-S overexpression and NGF/TrkA/P75NTR signaling dysfunction, independently of cholinergic neurotransmission disruption, following one- and fourteen days of treatment. BPA mediates these alterations, in part, through HDAC2 overexpression. These data are relevant since they may help to elucidate the neurotoxic mechanisms that trigger the cognitive disabilities induced by BPA exposure, providing a new therapeutic approach.

Complex Positive Effects of SGLT-2 Inhibitor Empagliflozin in the Liver, Kidney and Adipose Tissue of Hereditary Hypertriglyceridemic Rats: Possible Contribution of Attenuation of Cell Senescence and Oxidative Stress.

(1) Background: empagliflozin, sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor, is an effective antidiabetic agent with strong cardio- and nephroprotective properties. The mechanisms behind its cardio- and nephroprotection are still not fully clarified. (2) Methods: we used male hereditary hypertriglyceridemic (hHTG) rats, a non-obese model of dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance, and endothelial dysfunction fed standard diet with or without empagliflozin for six weeks to explore the molecular mechanisms of empagliflozin effects. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics; quantitative PCR of relevant genes involved in lipid and glucose metabolism, or senescence; glucose and palmitic acid oxidation in isolated tissues and cell lines of adipocytes and hepatocytes were used. (3) Results: empagliflozin inhibited weight gain and decreased adipose tissue weight, fasting blood glucose, and triglycerides and increased HDL-cholesterol. It also improved insulin sensitivity in white fat. NMR spectroscopy identified higher plasma concentrations of ketone bodies, ketogenic amino acid leucine and decreased levels of pyruvate and alanine. In the liver, adipose tissue and kidney, empagliflozin up-regulated expression of genes involved in gluconeogenesis and down-regulated expression of genes involved in lipogenesis along with reduction of markers of inflammation, oxidative stress and cell senescence. (4) Conclusion: multiple positive effects of empagliflozin, including reduced cell senescence and oxidative stress, could contribute to its long-term cardio- and nephroprotective actions.

Comparison of daily bisphenol A intake based on dietary and urinary levels in breastfeeding women.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an artificial chemical, and one of the significant external routes of daily BPA exposure is diet. Dietary BPA exposure can be calculated by urinary BPA concentration and dietary recall data. This cross-sectional study investigates exclusively breastfeeding women's BPA exposure by urinary total BPA concentration and nutritional records, including the 24 h Dietary Recall (HDR) and Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). In this study, we included exclusively breastfeeding, healthy women volunteers (n = 80; 18-40 years), collected spot-morning urine samples and conducted a comprehensive face-to-face survey. Moreover, the women's urine BPA concentration was adjusted according to their urine creatinine concentrations. We assessed dietary BPA intake with the 24HDR and FFQ. Estimated daily BPA exposure according to urinary output volume and urinary creatinine concentration median values were 0.0507 and 0.06 µg/kg bw/day, respectively. Moreover, dietary BPA daily intake was found to be 0.17 and 0.95 µg/kg bw/day according to 24HDR data and FFQ data. The milk and dairy product group's and soft drinks group's contributions to the daily intake of BPA were 55.9 % and 25.92 %, respectively. The hazard ratio for BPA exposure was within limits according to references, including US EPA, Health Canada, and EFSA. This study indicates that BPA exposure, based on both total urinary BPA concentration and dietary recall data, was within the recommended daily intake level (4 µg/kg bw/day). However, further studies are required to understand the influence of seasonal, multicentre, and socioeconomic differences on BPA exposure.

Beneficial effects of empagliflozin on hematocrit levels in a patient with severe anemia.

INTRODUCTION: Sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT2) inhibitors may additionally benefit patients with diabetes by improving their erythropoiesis followed by the elevation of hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. REASON FOR THE REPORT: In the case described, severe normocytic normochromic anemia was resolved when empagliflozin had been introduced to the therapy. A 78-year-old male patient was admitted to our hospital with a non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. His past medical history included diabetes, right coronary artery angioplasty, myocardial infarction and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation which required anticoagulant treatment. When examined, severe normocytic normochromic anemia was also diagnosed. About two years prior to his admission, the patient began suffering from persistent anemia despite the modification of his anticoagulant therapy with warfarin, rivaroxaban and dabigatran. An extensive evaluation failed to provide an explanation for his anemia. OUTCOME: Eventually, only the introduction of empagliflozin successfully increased the values of hemoglobin and hematocrit. Therefore, it transpires that SGLT2 enhances erythropoietin (EPO) secretion which subsequently raises hematocrit levels in patients with severe anemia.

Comparative toxicities of BPA, BPS, BPF, and TMBPF in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and mammalian fibroblast cells.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical compound commonly used in the production of plastics for daily lives and industry. As BPA is well known for its adverse health effects, several alternative materials have been developed. This study comprehensively analyzed the toxicity of BPA and its three substitutes including bisphenol S (BPS), bisphenol F (BPF), and tetramethyl bisphenol F (TMBPF) on aging, healthspan, and mitochondria using an in vivo Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model animal and cultured mammalian fibroblast cells. C. elegans treated with 1 mM BPA exhibited abnormalities in the four tested parameters related to development and growth, including delayed development, decreased body growth, reduced reproduction, and abnormal tissue morphology. Exposure to the same concentration of each alternative including TMBPF, which has been proposed as a relatively safe BPA alternative, detrimentally affected at least three of these events. Moreover, all bisphenols (except BPS) remarkably shortened the organismal lifespan and increased age-related changes in neurons. Exposure to BPA and BPF resulted in mitochondrial abnormalities, such as reduced oxygen consumption and mitochondrial membrane potential. In contrast, the ATP levels were noticeably higher after treatment with all bisphenols. In mammalian fibroblast cells, exposure to increasing concentrations of all bisphenols (ranging from 50 µM to 500 µM) caused a severe decrease in cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. BPA increased ATP levels and decreased ROS but did not affect mitochondrial permeability transition pores (mPTP). Notably, TMBPF was the only bisphenol that caused a significant increase in mitochondrial ROS and mPTP opening. These results suggest that the potentially harmful physiological effects of BPA alternatives should be considered.

Empagliflozin nanoparticles attenuates type2 diabetes induced cognitive impairment via oxidative stress and inflammatory pathway in high fructose diet induced hyperglycemic mice.

There is snowballing evidence that type 2 diabetes (T2D) predisposes to neuropathophysiological alterations including oxidative stress and triggered inflammatory responses in brain that eventually culminates into cognitive impairment.Accumulating evidences suggest that SGLT2 inhibitor can be a promising intervention for cognitive decline in T2DM. In the present paper, the potential effects of Empagliflozin (EMPA), a SGLT2 inhibitor, against T2D induced cognitive dysfunction have been explored. The effect of EMPA on array of inflammatory mediators including Interleukin-6(IL-6), Interleukin -1ß (IL-1ß), and Tumour necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)), neuronal proteins including glycogen synthase kinase-3ß (GSK- 3ß), Phosphorylated tau (p-tau), amyloid beta (Aß) (1-40, 1-42) and altered oxidative parameters including SOD, catalase, TBARS was determined in the high fructose diet induced hyperglycaemic mice. The obtained results were compared with EMPA nanoparticles (Nps) formulated in our laboratory and found that EMPA Nps significantly showed reduced levels of inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress. Further, decrease in levels of p-tau, Aß (1-40) and Aß (1-42) were also observed with EMPA nanoparticles.Thus, the study has demonstrated that EMPA Nps could be a promising therapy to alleviate the progression of cognitive decline in T2D.