The effect of Empagliflozin on the renal tubular epithelial cell injury markers and apoptosis in diabetic rat model

Abstract

Aim of the present investigation was to examine the effect of Empagliflozin on the renal tubular epithelial cell injury markers and apoptosis in diabetic rat model. Methods Twenty four male Wistar rats were assigned into control (n = 8), diabetic (n = 8), EMP (10 mg/kg/day) groups. Expression of RANTES chemokine inflammatory factor, profibrotic and fibrotic factor respectively TGF-β and fibronectin gene, and renal activities of NF-kB, protein expression markers of injury Tubule markers (KIM-1, and NGAL) along with protein expression of HMGB1 ligand protein and its receptor (TLR4) and Cleaved-caspase 3 as an apoptotic marker in renal tubular cells were examined. Moreover, albumin / creatinine ratio was studied in urine. Results EMP was able to significantly (p <0.01) decrease the expression of inflammatory factor genes, RANTES chemokines and profibrotic and fibrotic factors respectively TGF-β and fibronectin (genes that had significant expression). EMP also decreased the protein expression of specific kidney markers including KIM1 and NGAL along with the expression of HMGB1 and TLR4 proteins and increased renal activity of NF-κB induced by diabetes (p <0.01). Increased Cleaved-caspase 3 Levels significantly decreased in the EMP –treated group. Urinary albumin / creatinine ratio decreased by 25% after treatment with EMP (p <0.01).