Cardio- and nephroprotective mechanisms of SGLT2 inhibition (A06)

• Subject Area: Cardiology, Angiology ; Anatomy and Physiology ; Nephrology
• Term: from 2019 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 387509280

Empagliflozin, a selective inhibitor of the sodium-dependent glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) in the renal proximal tubules, has been shown to reduce the rate of incident or worsening nephropathy, hospitalization for heart failure, and mortality but the mechanisms are unclear. We will investigate the role of tubular SGLT2 on hyperfiltration-dependent renal damage and will test if empagliflozin exerts cardiac protective effects on cardiac sodium homeostasis, contractility and arrhythmias by inhibition of cardiac SGLT2 or Na+/H+ exchanger 1 (NHE1) in afterload-induced heart failure. Importantly, we will also test whether the beneficial effect of empagliflozin on the kidney may be transferred to the heart and vice versa.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1350: Tubulussystem und Interstitium der Niere: (Patho-)Physiologie und Crosstalk
• Applicant Institution: Universität Regensburg
• Project Heads: Professor Lars Maier; Professor Dr. Frank Schweda; Professor Dr. Stefan Wagner