Objective: This single-arm real-world observation aims to examine the effects of empagliflozin (EMPA) on coronary risk factors among subjects with known diabetes.
Materials and methods: Records of 63 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus, receiving EMPA were drawn for this study. Of 63 patients with diabetes, 6 were excluded, and the remaining 57 received EMPA (25 mg/day) for 24 weeks. Clinical data, dietary intakes, and physical activity were assessed by validated questionnaires.
Results: Treatment with EMPA was associated with significant decline in fasting and 2-hour post-prandial blood glucose and Hb1c indicating that this agent has potential antidiabetic effects. Pro-inflammatory cytokines; C-reactive protein, TNF-α, and interleukin-6 showed significant reduction after treatment with EMPA, compared to baseline levels. Apart from these changes, parameters of oxidative stress, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, malondialdehyde, and diene conjugates as well as uric acid, showed a significant decline with an increase in antioxidant vitamins A, E, and C and beta-carotene as well as nitrite. There was a significant decline in serum uric acid, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), with a non-significant reduction in body weight and body mass index as well as in waist circumference of modest significance, after intervention of 12 weeks compared to baseline levels. Total cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol and triglycerides showed non-significant decline compared to baseline levels.
Conclusion: It is possible that EMPA administration can cause a significant decline in pro-inflammatory cytokines along with blood glucose, Hb1c, oxidative stress, uric acid, blood pressures, and ACE with an increase in antioxidant vitamins and nitrite. Randomized, controlled intervention trials would be necessary to confirm our findings.