Empagliflozin Protects Atherosclerosis Progression by Modulating Lipid Profiles and Sympathetic Activity

Background: Several large clinical trials have confirmed the cardioprotective role of Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes. Here we investigated that empagliflozin, as an SGLT2 inhibitor, could alleviate atherosclerosis progression. Methods: : ApoE-/- mice were fed on a western diet for 12 weeks to induce atherosclerosis. On the 7 th week, a group of mice were treated with drinking water containing empagliflozin (10mg/kg/day) while another group was still fed on normal water. On 12 th week, the whole aortas of each group were harvested. The Oil red O, HE and movat staining were performed for atherosclerotic lesion area and size. Mouse serum lipid profiles (TC, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C), systemic inflammation level (IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10), renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and sympathetic activity (norepinephrine, and neuropeptide Y) were measured by ELISA. Results: : Empagliflozin reduced the atherosclerotic lesion burden in ApoE-/- mice. Besides, empagliflozin decreased the body weight, lipid profiles, RAAS and sympathetic activity. However, the anti-inflammation effect of empagliflozin was not significantly evident. Conclusions: : Empagliflozin can partly prevent atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice, which could be attributed to its inhibition on lipid profiles, and sympathetic activity.