Empagliflozin alleviates diabetic nephropathy in albino rats through its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory action

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a widespread medical disorder that has serious medical complications, including nephropathy. Empagliflozin is an antidiabetic drug that belongs to selective SGLT2 inhibitors that improve diabetic kidney functions and enhance glycemic management.

Aim of the study: This study aimed to assess the kidney structural changes caused by D.M. and the possible ameliorative role of Empagliflozin.

Materials and methods: Thirty adult male albino rats were divided into three equal groups: The control group, the diabetic group, and the diabetic group treated with Empagliflozin. Groups 2 and 3 received intraperitoneal injections of Streptozocin (STZ) at a dose of 55 mg/kg to induce diabetes; all rats were left for 60 days. Blood analyses were done for kidney functions, glycated hemoglobin, serum inflammatory and fibrotic markers, and kidney tissue specimens were taken to assay oxidative stress markers and structural changes.

Results: Significant increase in the serum level of urea and creatinine, BUN, serum inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), and renal tissue level of MDA, with a marked decrease in renal tissue levels of SOD and GSH levels in diabetic rats compared to control rats. Also, various histopathological alterations were detected in the kidneys of diabetic rats in the form of significant damage to the glomeruli with enlarged urinary spaces, glomerular inflammatory cell infiltration, distorted renal tubules, and reduced glomerular size. Treatment with Empagliflozin alleviates those nephropathic changes through antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic effects.

Conclusion: Empagliflozin could ameliorate diabetic nephropathy in albino rats through its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory pathways.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; Empagliflozin; Nephrotoxicity; oxidative stress.