Investigating the Cardiac Effects of New Generation Anti-Diabetic Drug EmpagliflozinUsing Zebrafish Embryo Model

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) affects >16% of adults in Qatar. Newly emerging class of anti-diabetic drugs focuses on SGLT inhibition were observed to reduce CVDs risks in diabetic patients. Up to date, the mechanism contributing to the CV benefits remains unrevealed. Zebrafish embryos were treated with Aristolochic Acid to induce heart failure then treated with Empagliflozin to determine its beneficial effect. Furthermore the expression of SGLT1 & 2 were determined in the hearts of zebrafish. SGLT2 was expressed more then SGLT1 in the heart and whole embryo. Empa significantly improved the zebrafish embryo'scardiachealthafterinductionofheartfailure.