SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin ameliorates tubulointerstitial fibrosis in DKD by downregulating renal tubular PKM2.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objective

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have been shown to prevent the progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). However, their impact on renal fibrosis remains largely uninvestigated. This study aimed to explore the effect of SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin on renal fibrosis in DKD patients and DKD models, and the molecular mechanisms involved.

Methods

Kidney samples of DKD patients and DKD models were used in this study. DKD mouse models included STZ-treated CD-1 mice and HFD-fed C57BL/6 mice were all treated with empagliflozin for 6 to 12 weeks. Kidney pathological changes were analysed and fibrotic factors were detected. HK-2 cells were treated with normal glucose (NG), high glucose (HG), or HG with empagliflozin. RNA sequencing was e

SUBMITTER: Cai X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12003256 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature