Cottonseed oil: A review of extraction techniques, physicochemical, functional, and nutritional properties.

Seed oils are the richest source of vitamin-E-active compounds, which contribute significantly to antioxidant activities. Cottonseed oil (CS-O) is attaining more consideration owing to its high fiber content and stability against auto-oxidation. CS-O has gained a good reputation in the global edible oil market due to its distinctive fatty acid profile, anti-inflammatory, and cardio-protective properties. CS-O can be extracted from cottonseed (CS) by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), aqueous/solvent extraction (A/SE), aqueous ethanol extraction (A-EE), subcritical water extraction, supercritical carbon dioxide extraction (SC-CO2), and enzyme-assisted extraction (E-AE). In this review, the importance, byproducts, physicochemical characteristics, and nutritional profile of CS-O have been explained in detail. This paper also provides a summary of scientific studies existing on functional and phytochemical characteristics of CS-O. Its consumption and health benefits are also deliberated to discover its profitability and applications. CS-O contains 26-35% saturated, 42-52% polyunsaturated, and 18-24% monounsaturated FA. There is approximately 1000 ppm of tocopherols in unprocessed CS-O, but up to one-third is lost during processing. Moreover, besides being consumed as cooking oil, CS-O discovers applications in many fields such as biofuel, livestock, cosmetics, agriculture, and chemicals. This paper provides a comprehensive review of CS-O, its positive benefits, fatty acid profile, extraction techniques, and health applications.HighlightsCS-O is a rich source of exceptional fatty acids.Various techniques to extract the CS-O are discussed.Numerous physicochemical properties of CS-O for the potential market are assessed.It has a wide range of functional properties.Nutritional quality and health benefits are also evaluated.

Cardio protective effect of nicorandil in reperfusion injury among patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of nicorandil in prevention of reperfusion injury during primary percutaneous coronary intervention by thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grade scoring. Methods: A total of 140 patients from Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology were enrolled in this study conducted from 7th September to 10th of October 2021. These participants were allocated into two major groups. Control group received conventional acute coronary syndrome protocol regimen only whereas experimental group was given nicorandil along with conventional acute coronary syndrome protocol. During primary percutaneous coronary intervention, thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grade scoring was analyzed and compared. Results: Majority of participants in nicorandil group achieved thrombolysis in myocardial infarction Grade-3 scoring which indicated reduced rate of no reflow phenomenon as compared to control group. A statistically significant difference was noted in score of both groups (p value = 0.001) signifying prophylactic use of nicorandil before primary percutaneous coronary intervention along with conventional acute coronary syndrome protocol is superior to only conventional acute coronary syndrome protocol regimen to cases in the control group. Conclusion: Use of nicorandil in ST elevated myocardial infarction patients before primary percutaneous coronary intervention prevents reperfusion injury thus decreasing the risk of post percutaneous coronary intervention complications and reducing mortality rate in cardiac patients suggesting its significant cardio protective role.

The Role of SGLT2 Inhibitor Ipragliflozin on Cardiac Hypertrophy and microRNA Expression Profiles in a Non-diabetic Rat Model of Cardiomyopathy.

Evidence from clinical trials suggests that the cardioprotective effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors may arise through non-glycemic control-related mechanisms. Further, the cardiovascular advantages of SGLT2 inhibitors are likely present among non-diabetic patients with known cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Here, we studied the impact of ipragliflozin, a selective SGLT2 inhibitor, on cardiac histopathology and microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in a non-diabetic rat model of cardiomyopathy. Ipragliflozin was added to chow (0.01% (w/w)) and given to male DahlS.Z-Leprfa/Leprfa (DS/obese) rats for 6 weeks. Similarly aged male DahlS.Z-Lepr+/Lepr+ (DS/lean) rats were treated as controls. Measurements of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR) were taken every other week. Following ipragliflozin treatment for 6 weeks, we conducted echocardiography, histopathological examination, and miRNA expression analysis (microarray). The impact of ipragliflozin on blood parameters was additionally examined. In DS/obese rats, ipragliflozin reduced SBP without affecting HR, reduced interventricular septal thickness in echocardiography and left ventricular (LV) organ weight, and improved hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes according to histopathological experiments. Further, ipragliflozin reduced plasma inflammatory cytokine levels in DS/obese rats. Additionally, ipragliflozin treatment altered the expression profile of miRNAs related to cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure in the LV compared to DS/obese control rats. Ipragliflozin prevented LV hypertrophy and altered related miRNA expression profiles in non-diabetic DS/obese rats. These findings suggest that miRNAs may play a partial role in regulating the structure of the heart and that SGLT2 inhibitors may exert cardio-protective effects by changing miRNA expression profiles in non-diabetic patients with CVDs.

Cardio-Protective Properties and Health Benefits of Fish Lipid Bioactives; The Effects of Thermal Processing.

The beneficial effects of fish-derived lipid bioactives have come to prominence over the last few decades, especially for their utilization in fish oils, supplements, and nutraceuticals. Omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), lipid vitamins, carotenoids, and polar lipid bioactives from fish have shown to possess a vast range of beneficial effects against a multitude of chronic disorders and especially against inflammation-and cardiovascular disorders (CVD). The observed cardio-protective effects and health benefits are believed to be attributed to the synergy of these fish-derived lipid bioactives. Within the present article the recent findings in the literature on the lipid content of the mainly consumed fish species, their bio-functionality, and cardio-protective benefits is thoroughly reviewed. Moreover, the recovery and valorization of such lipid bioactives from fish by-products and fishing by-catch, in order to reduce waste, while developing useful products containing cardio-protective lipids from the leftover materials of fisheries and aquaculture industries, are also of industrial and environmental interest. Emphasis is also given to the effects of heat treatments during fish processing on the structures and bio-functionality of these marine lipid bioactives, based on the paradigm of different cooking methodologies and thermal processing, while the compounds produced during such treatment(s) with detrimental changes in the fish lipid profile, which can reduce its cardio-protective efficacy, are also reviewed. Novel green extraction technologies and low temperature processing and cooking of fish and fishery by-products are needed to reduce these undesirable effects in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way.

Managing heart failure in dialysis patients.

The heart and the kidney are intimately connected. They communicate in a bidirectional manner through a variety of pathways, forming an interdependent relationship. Recognition of this co-dependency is crucial in managing patients with cardiorenal syndrome, as we begin to realise the inevitability of disease progression to both organs; and an approach that focuses treatment on one organ may result in worsening outcome on the other organ. When faced with patients with deteriorating cardiac disease, nephrologists tend to focus on stabilisation of cardiac function and accept the heart disease to be unmodifiable. Likewise, cardiac patients with persistent kidney failure are presented with a poor renal prognosis and prepared for kidney transplantation. Adopting a cardio-protective approach in combination with dialysis optimisation raises hope for a more positive outcome with evidence of cardiac and renal recovery in some patients.

[Cardioprotective effect of new functional food containing salmon oil with motherwort oil extract].

Combination of fish oil with herbal oil extract can extend functional properties of the products. A new functional food of salmon oil with oil extract of motherwort (8:2) was developed and studied. Qualitative profiling was evidenced about presence of flavonoids and iridoids. Quantification of vitamins A (210±3 IU/g), Е (2.8±0.1 mg/g), D3 (12.2±0.4 IU/g) and PUFA (43.3±0.4%, incl. 9.4±0.1% of omega-3 and 33.9±0.1% of omega-6) was done by modern methods. The developed product was found nontoxic (LD50>15 000 mg/kg b.w., intragastriсally, LD50>3000 mg/kg b.w., intraperitoneal). The 14 days intragastric administration of product to the rats (initial b.w. 200-250 g) at the doses of 2340 and 1170 mg/kg b.w. significantly increased the left ventricular pressure after ischemia comparing with control, and normalized the contraction and relaxation of the left ventricle. Biochemical data confirmed the decrease of aspartate amino transferase and creatine kinase activity in rats treated at all experimental doses. Application of fish oil combination with motherwort oil extract is promising for development of new functional foods with cardio protective properties.

Biological Activities of Red Pepper (Capsicum annuum) and Its Pungent Principle Capsaicin: A Review.

Capsaicin, the pungent alkaloid of red pepper (Capsicum annuum) has been extensively studied for its biological effects which are of pharmacological relevance. These include: cardio protective influence, antilithogenic effect, antiinflammatory, and analgesia, thermogenic influence, and beneficial effects on gastrointestinal system. Therefore, capsaicinoids may have the potential clinical value for pain relief, cancer prevention and weight loss. It has been shown that capsaicinoids are potential agonists of capsaicin receptor (TRPV1). They could exert the effects not only through the receptor-dependent pathway but also through the receptor-independent one. The involvement of neuropeptide Substance P, serotonin, and somatostatin in the pharmacological actions of capsaicin has been extensively investigated. Topical application of capsaicin is proved to alleviate pain in arthritis, postoperative neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, psoriasis, etc. Toxicological studies on capsaicin administered by different routes are documented. Capsaicin inhibits acid secretion, stimulates alkali and mucus secretion and particularly gastric mucosal blood flow which helps in prevention and healing of gastric ulcers. Antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties of capsaicin are established in a number of studies. Chemopreventive potential of capsaicin is evidenced in cell line studies. The health beneficial hypocholesterolemic influence of capsaicin besides being cardio protective has other implications, viz., prevention of cholesterol gallstones and protection of the structural integrity of erythrocytes under conditions of hypercholesterolemia. Beneficial influences of capsaicin on gastrointestinal system include digestive stimulant action and modulation of intestinal ultrastructure so as to enhance permeability to micronutrients.

Pharmacologic overview of Withania somnifera, the Indian Ginseng.

Withania somnifera, also called 'Indian ginseng', is an important medicinal plant of the Indian subcontinent. It is widely used, singly or in combination, with other herbs against many ailments in Indian Systems of Medicine since time immemorial. Withania somnifera contains a spectrum of diverse phytochemicals enabling it to have a broad range of biological implications. In preclinical studies, it has shown anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-stress, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and anti-diabetic properties. Additionally, it has demonstrated the ability to reduce reactive oxygen species, modulate mitochondrial function, regulate apoptosis, and reduce inflammation and enhance endothelial function. In view of these pharmacologic properties, W. somnifera is a potential drug candidate to treat various clinical conditions, particularly related to the nervous system. In this review, we summarize the pharmacologic characteristics and discuss the mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic applications of the plant and its active constituents.

Emerging trends in nutraceutical applications of whey protein and its derivatives.

The looming food insecurity demands the utilization of nutrient-rich residues from food industries as value-added products. Whey, a dairy industry waste has been characterized to be excellent nourishment with an array of bioactive components. Whey protein comprises 20 % of total milk protein and it is rich in branched and essential amino acids, functional peptides, antioxidants and immunoglobulins. It confers benefits against a wide range of metabolic diseases such as cardiovascular complications, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, cancer and phenylketonuria. The protein has been validated to boost recovery from resistance exercise-injuries, stimulate gut physiology and protect skin against detrimental radiations. Apart from health invigoration, whey protein has proved its suitability as fat replacer and emulsifier. Further, its edible and antimicrobial packaging potential renders its highly desirable in food as well as pharmaceutical sectors. Considering the enormous nutraceutical worth of whey protein, this review emphasizes on its established and emerging biological roles. Present and future scopes in food processing and dietary supplement formulation are discussed. Associated hurdles are identified and how technical advancement might augment its applications are explored. This review is expected to provide valuable insight on whey protein-fortified functional foods, associated technical hurdles and scopes of improvement.

Protective Effects of Sauropus Androgynus Leaf Extract against Isoproterenol Induced Cardiotoxicity.

The current research work focuses on the identification of cardioprotective effect of the ethanolic extract of Sauropus androgynus (EESA) leaves. Sauropus androgynus leaves are being utilized in folk and ayurvedic medicines in India to treat cardiovascular diseases like myocardial infraction, atherosclerosis, and venous thrombosis. However, the cardioprotective effects associated with the leaf extract of this plant has not yet been established. METHODS: The identification of cardioprotective effects of the ethanolic extract of Sauropus androgynus (EESA) leaves was performed using in vitro and in vivo models. The cell culture studies were performed using cardio myoblast cells (H9C2) and in vivo cardioprotective effects of EESA was assessed in albino wistar rats employing isoproterenol (ISO) as cardiotoxic agent. The animals were divided into six treatment groups and myocardial infraction was induced at 14th day followed by the treatment with therapeutic doses of EESA (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) for next two days. Various biochemical and histopathological parameters were evaluated in animals kept under control and treatment groups. RESULTS: The in vitro cell line studies revealed a positive impact on H9C2 cells. The ethanolic extract of Sauropus androgynus depicted low toxicity on cardiomyoblast cells and significant proliferation was observed after treatment. The results from animal studies have shown 1.7 times reduction in serum LDH (151.9 ± 1.302) and CPK (237.6 ± 5.781) levels with EESA treated groups compared to toxic control. EESA also significantly increased the antioxidant enzyme levels, which are responsible for cardioprotective effects in animals. CONCLUSION: This research study reveals that EESA possess antioxidant activity and also provides a protective role against myocardial infarction induced by ISO. We conclude that EESA could be a potential candidate to prevent and treat cardiotoxic consequences of high catecholamine levels.

Therapeutic application of carvacrol: A comprehensive review.

Carvacrol is a major natural constituent and is significantly present as an essential oil in aromatic plants and is well known for its numerous biological activities. Therapeutic properties of carvacrol have been demonstrated as anti-oxidant, anticancer, diabetes prevention, cardioprotective, anti-obesity, hepatoprotective and reproductive role, antiaging, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties. The carvacrol biosynthesis has been mediated through mevalonate pathway. Carvacrol has the anticancer ability against malignant cells via decreasing the expressions of matrix metalloprotease 2 and 9, inducing apoptosis, enhancing the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins, disrupting mitochondrial membrane, suppressing extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase signal transduction, and also decreasing the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B. It also decreased the concentrations of alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase as well as also restored liver function, insulin level, and plasma glucose level. Carvacrol also has been found to exert antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Coagulase-negative staphylococcus, Salmonella spp., Enterococcus sp. Shigella, and Escherichia coli. The current review article summarizes the health-promoting perspectives of carvacrol through various pathways.

Quercetin Protected from Aluminum Phosphide-induced Acute and Subacute Cardio- and Hepatotoxicity in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Aluminum phosphide (ALP) intoxication either accidentally or intentionally, is one of the major health concerns in developing countries. Its poisoning causes severe damage to organs including the heart and liver. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the hepato- and cardioprotective effects of quercetin (QCN) on the acute/subacute toxicity of ALP in rodent models. METHODS: Acute (single dose, 12.5 mg/kg, orally) and subacute (2 mg/kg, orally and 7 days) intoxication of ALP were induced in rats and the protective effects of QCN on altered hepatic/cardiac functional enzyme concentrations, myeloperoxidase activity, oxidative stress biomarkers, and histopathological changes were studied at three doses of 10, 50 and 100 mg/kg BW. To record any heart abnormality, an electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded 3 h after the last treatment. RESULTS: Quercetin reduced the ALP-increased hepatic and cardiac functional enzyme concentrations and myeloperoxidase activity. Moreover, QCN improved remarkably the ALP-induced ECG abnormalities (T inversion, bigeminy in R waves) and arrhythmias. QCN attenuated significantly (p < 0.05) the ALP-induced oxidative/ nitrosative stress and histopathological injuries in the liver and heart. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that QCN is able to protect the ALP-induced cardiac and hepatic injuries in both acute and subacute models and its effects attribute to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

The dual role of empagliflozin: Cardio renal protection in T2DM patients.

Empagliflozin (Jardiance®) is an insulin independent antihyperglycemic agent used in treatment of T2D.The drug is a sodium glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor approved in USA and Europe and other countries of the world. As empagliflozin demonstrates cardioprotective and Reno protective properties its prime target are patients having CVD and CKD complicated by T2D. This review sheds light on mechanism of action of the drug and with the help of clinical outcomes establishes the use of empagliflozin in T2D patients. Although empagliflozin is a well-tolerated and easy to administer drug, it has some side effects and contraindications which are discussed in the article to help the reader weigh its beneficial effects against its adverse effect and understand its use in clinical medicine.

Effects of olive pomace and olive pomace oil on growth performance, fatty acid composition and cardio protective properties of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) and sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax).

Gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) and sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) were fed with two experimental diets: olive pomace diet and olive pomace oil diet, in order to examine whether fish oil substitution in fish feeds by olive oil production wastes, such as olive pomace and olive pomace oil, has an influence on growth performance, fatty acid composition and cardio protective properties of fish. Gilthead sea bream fed with both experimental diets exhibited satisfactory growth performance factors while sea bass did not. The total lipids of gilthead sea bream fed with olive pomace diet contained statistically decreased levels of fatty acids, while exhibited the most potent biological activity against platelet aggregation induced by Platelet Activating Factor. These data indicate that olive pomace can be used as a partial substitute of fish oil in fish feed improving its cardio protective properties.

Cardio-protective and Anti-atherosclerosis Effect of Crocetin on Vitamin D3 and HFD-induced Atherosclerosis in Rats.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a chronic disease and causes the highest rate of death globally. CVD-related deaths account for 80% of all deaths in low and middle-income countries, such as China. Crocetin (CT), a carotenoid phytoconstituent already confirm their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in various diseases animal models. In the study, we make effort to access the cardio-protective effect of Crocetin against vitamin D3 and high fat induced atherosclerosis in rats and scrutinize the underlying mechanism. Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were used in this study and rats were divided into different groups and high fat diet and vitamin D was used for induction the atherosclerosis. The rats were received oral administration of crocetin (5, 10 and 15 mg/kg) and simvastatin (0.5 mg/kg) until 30 days. At the end of the experimental period, lipid, cardiac markers, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, pro-inflammatory cytokines and atherogenic index were estimated. The mRNA expression of Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) in aortic tissue of the atherosclerotic rats. Crocetin significantly reduced the aortic membrane thickness and platelet aggregation rates. Crocetin also dose-dependently reduced total cholesterol (TC), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), triacylglycerol (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and augmented the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level. Additionally, Crocetin significantly (p < 0.001) abridged the level of malonaldehyde (MDA) and augmented the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Furthermore, Crocetin significantly (p < 0.001) dose-dependently reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators. Crocetin attenuated mRNA expression of VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and MCP-1. Crocetin had anti-atherosclerosis and cardio-protective effects on vitamin D3 and high fat induced atherosclerosis in rats through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms.

Nano-Medicine in the Cardiovascular System.

Nano-medicines that include nanoparticles, nanocomposites, small molecules, and exosomes represent new viable sources for future therapies for the dysfunction of cardiovascular system, as well as the other important organ systems. Nanomaterials possess special properties ranging from their intrinsic physicochemical properties, surface energy and surface topographies which can illicit advantageous cellular responses within the cardiovascular system, making them exceptionally valuable in future clinical translation applications. The success of nano-medicines as future cardiovascular theranostic agents requires a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between nanomaterial and the biomedical fields. In this review, we highlight some of the major types of nano-medicine systems that are currently being explored in the cardiac field. This review focusses on the major differences between the systems, and how these differences affect the specific therapeutic or diagnostic applications. The important concerns relevant to cardiac nano-medicines, including cellular responses, toxicity of the different nanomaterials, as well as cardio-protective and regenerative capabilities are discussed. In this review an overview of the current development of nano-medicines specific to the cardiac field is provided, discussing the diverse nature and applications of nanomaterials as therapeutic and diagnostic agents.

Pharmacological evaluation of Ashwagandha highlighting its healthcare claims, safety, and toxicity aspects.

Withania somnifera, commonly known as "Ashwagandha" or "Indian ginseng" is an essential therapeutic plant of Indian subcontinent regions. It is regularly used, alone or in combination with other plants for the treatment of various illnesses in Indian Systems of Medicine over the period of 3,000 years. Ashwagandha (W. somnifera) belongs to the genus Withania and family Solanaceae. It comprises a broad spectrum of phytochemicals having wide range of biological effects. W. somnifera has demonstrated various biological actions such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, anti-arthritic, anti-stress/adaptogenic, neuro-protective, cardio-protective, hepato-protective, immunomodulatory properties. Furthermore, W. somnifera has revealed the capability to decrease reactive oxygen species and inflammation, modulation of mitochondrial function, apoptosis regulation and improve endothelial function. Withaferin-A is an important phytoconstituents of W. somnifera belonging to the category of withanolides been used in the traditional system of medicine for the treatment of various disorders. In this review, we have summarized the active phytoconstituents, pharmacologic activities (preclinical and clinical), mechanisms of action, potential beneficial applications, marketed formulations and safety and toxicity profile of W. somnifera.

Zofenopril versus ramipril in the early phase of acute myocardial infarction with systolic dysfunction: A retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Prognostic benefits of zofenopril over ramipril in the early phase of acute myocardial infarction have been reported by the SMILE study, but these benefits have not been tested in clinical practice in the Chinese population. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of zofenopril plus aspirin against ramipril plus aspirin in patients with acute myocardial infarction. METHODS: Patients in the early phase of acute myocardial infarction received 30 mg zofenopril (ZF cohort, N=191) or 5 mg ramipril (RP cohort, N=256) b.i.d. plus 100 mg aspirin/day. Data regarding hospitalisation for cardiovascular disease, non-cardiovascular events and mortality were collected and analysed. RESULTS: During 1 year of treatment, 47 (25%) patients in the ZF cohort and 97 (40%) patients in the RP cohort were hospitalised due to cardiovascular disease (p=0.002), and three (2%) patients in the ZF cohort and 14 (6%) patients in the RP cohort died (p=0.043). Lower incidences of dry cough (p=0.001) and anaemia (p=0.049) were reported in the ZF cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The study recommends zofenopril with 100 mg aspirin for a longer period in patients with acute myocardial infarction with systolic dysfunction.

Diet, Lifestyle and Cardiovascular Diseases: Linking Pathophysiology to Cardioprotective Effects of Natural Bioactive Compounds.

Heart and blood vessels disorders comprise one of the main causes of death worldwide. Pharmacologically active natural compounds have been used as a complementary therapy in cardiovascular disease around the world in a traditional way. Dietary, natural bioactive compounds, as well as healthy lifestyles, are considered to prevent coronary artery diseases. Pre-clinical and clinical studies reported that consumption of plant-food bioactive derivatives including polyphenolic compounds, peptides, oligosaccharides, vitamins, unsaturated fatty acids possess protective effects on cardiovascular diseases. This review aims to summarize the cardiovascular risk factors, pre-clinical studies and clinical trials related to cardioprotective properties of the plant-food-derived bioactive compounds. Molecular mechanisms by the natural bioactive compounds exert their cardiovascular protective properties have also been highlighted.

Effect of ipragliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, on cardiac histopathological changes in a non-diabetic rat model of cardiomyopathy.

AIMS: We investigated the effect of the selective sodium-dependent glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor ipragliflozin on cardiac dysfunction and histopathology in a non-diabetic rat model of cardiomyopathy. MAIN METHODS: Ipragliflozin was mixed with chow (0.01%, w/w) and administered to male DahlS.Z-Leprfa/Leprfa (DS/obese) rats for 8 weeks. Male DahlS.Z-Lepr+/Lepr+ (DS/lean) rats of the same age were used as controls. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR) were measured every 4 weeks. After 8 weeks of treatment, echocardiography and histopathological examinations were performed. Further, the effect of ipragliflozin on blood and urine parameters were investigated. KEY FINDINGS: In the DS/obese rats, ipragliflozin delayed the age-related increase in SBP without affecting HR, reduced left ventricular (LV) mass and intraventricular septal thickness in echocardiography, and ameliorated hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes and LV fibrosis in histopathological examination. Although ipragliflozin significantly increased both urine volume and urinary glucose excretion in DS/obese rats, it did not alter plasma glucose levels. SIGNIFICANCE: Ipragliflozin prevented LV hypertrophy and fibrosis in non-diabetic DS/obese rats without affecting plasma glucose levels. These findings suggest that SGLT2 inhibitors have a cardio-protective effect in non-diabetic patients with cardiomyopathy.