Abstract 15201: Empagliflozin Improves Baroreflex Sensitivity and Heart Function in Infarcted Rats

Abstract

Introduction: Several experimental studies have shown improvement in cardiac function of infarcted animals (diabetic or not) when treated with empagliflozin. Likewise, several clinical studies have shown improved outcomes in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction or preserved ejection fraction in patients using empagliflozin. Methods: Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups: AMI - acute myocardial infarction (n=8) and EMPA - acute myocardial infarction + Empagliflozin (n=9).The animals of both groups were anesthetized and submitted to thoracotomy and ligature of the left coronary artery. The animals in the EMPA group received 10 mg/kg of empagliflozin daily through oral gavage for 14 days. After this period, an echocardiographic examination was performed, followed by cannulation of the femoral vein and artery, to evaluate hemodynamic parameters and baroreflex activity. Data were compared using unpaired t test or Mann-Whitney test and considered significant when p<0,05. Results: In the echocardiographic evaluation, an improvement in the systolic function indices was observed in the EMPA group in comparison to the AMI group: SF (27.42% ± 3.117 vs 19.17% ± 0.857), EF (50.69% ± 4.848 vs 37.95% ± 1.528), FAC (38.46% ± 2.382 vs 23.65 ± 1.415), as well as diastolic function indices: E'/A' ratio (1.571 ± 0.156 vs 0.574 ± 0.040) E/E' ratio: (16.24 ± 2.461 vs 28.27 ± 2.788).A reduction in mean arterial pressure was observed in the EMPA group (85.96 mmHg ± 1.437) in comparison to the AMI group (92.21 mmHg ± 2.345).In addition, there was an improvement in the baroreflex mediated tachy and bradycardic responses in the treated animals: tachycardic response (4.957 bpm/mmHg ± 0.125 vs 3.243 bpm/mmHg ± 0.157) and bradycardic response (1.532 bpm/mmHg ± 0.058 vs 0.710 bpm/ mmHg ± 0.017). Conclusions: Empagliflozin treatment in infarcted rats improved left ventricular systolic and diastolic function and improved baroreflex sensitivity.