Abstract
Introduction. Given the proven cardiovascular benefits of Empagliflozin (EM), we aimed to investigate the effect of Empagliflozin on Cardiotrophin-1 (CTF-1) and growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) expressions in circulating monocytes in type 2 diabetic patients after MI.
Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study included 33 patients referred to Ayatollah Mousavi Hospital in Zanjan between September 5 to December 25, 2024. Eligible patients with type 2 diabetes and MI who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were randomly assigned (17:16) to receive either 10 mg of EMPA daily or placebo for 12 weeks. Target genes expression levels were quantified by real time PCR, and data were analyzed by SPSS version 26.
Results: Thirty-three patients were included in this study (mean age: , 66% male), mean diabetes duration was longer in intervention group ( ) compared to placebo group ( ), hypertension was the most common comorbidity (57%). CTF-1 expression in the intervention group was and in placebo group was . GDF-15 expression in the intervention group was and in placebo group was . EMPA significantly reduced expression of CTF-1 (13-fold) ( ) and GDF-15 (7-fold) ( ). The CTF-1 and GDF-15 expression reduction were not associated with any other clinical variables. Significant reduction observed in LDL ( ) and triglycerides ( after intervention.
Conclusion: EMPA significantly reduced the expression of CTF-1 and GDF-15 in type 2 diabetic, post MI patients, which are associated with atherosclerosis, and suggest that potential anti-atherosclerotic effect of EMPA mediated through modulation of GDF-15 and CTF-1 gene expression.