Recent studies send an unambiguous signal that the class of agents known as sodium-glucose-linked co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) prevent heart failure hospitalization in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, the mechanisms remain unclear. Herein the authors utilize a rodent model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and demonstrate that treatment with the SGLT2i empagliflozin, reduces left ventricular mass, improving both wall stress and diastolic function. These findings extend the observation that the main mechanism of action of empagliflozin involves improved hemodynamics (i.e., reduction in preload and afterload) and provide a rationale for upcoming trials in patients with HFpEF irrespective of glycemic status.
Keywords: ANP, atrial natriuretic peptide; DOCA, deoxycorticosterone acetate; GADPH, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase; HF, heart failure; HFpEF, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction; HFrEF, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction; LV, left ventricular; SGLT2i, sodium-glucose−linked co-transporter-2 inhibitor; UNX, uninephrectomy; diastole; heart failure with preserved ejection fraction; sodium-glucose−linked co-transporter-2 inhibitor; systole.