The SGLT2 Inhibitor Canagliflozin Reduces Atherosclerosis by Enhancing Macrophage Autophagy

This study aimed to assess the effect of canagliflozin (CAN) on atherogenesis via autophagy. Macrophages and ApoE  − / − mice were used in this study. In macrophages, the results showed that CAN promoted LC3II expression and autophagosome formation. Furthermore, the cholesterol efflux assay demonstrated that CAN enhanced cholesterol efflux from macrophages via autophagy, resulting in lower lipid dro plet concentrations in macrophages. The western blot revealed that CAN regulated autophagy via the AMPK/ULK1/Beclin1 signaling pathway. CAN resulted in increased macrophage autophagy in atherosclerotic plaques of ApoE − / − mice, confirming that CAN could inhibit the progression of AS vi a promoting macrophage autophagy. The current study found that CAN reduced the production of atherosclerotic lesions, which adds to our understanding of how SGLT2 inhibitors function to delay the progression of AS.Graphical abstract
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Translational Research - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research