Empagliflozin reduces podocyte lipotoxicity in experimental Alport syndrome.

ABSTRACT: Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are anti-hyperglycemic agents that prevent glucose reabsorption in proximal tubular cells. SGLT2i improves renal outcomes in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients, indicating it may have beneficial effects beyond glycemic control. Here, we demonstrate that SGLT2i affects energy metabolism and podocyte lipotoxicity in experimental Alport syndrome (AS). In vitro, we found that the SGLT2 protein was expressed in human and mouse podocytes to a similar extent in tubular cells. Newly established immortalized podocytes from Col4a3 knockout mice (AS podocytes) accumulate lipid droplets along with increased apoptosis when compared to wild-type podocytes. Treatment with SGLT2i empagliflozin reduces lipid droplet accumulation and apoptosis in AS po

SUBMITTER: Ge M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10185338 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature