Aging comes with a multitude of health challenges, with arterial stiffness and deteriorating blood vessel function being two of the major concerns.
Such changes can lead to cardiovascular diseases, a leading cause of mortality among the elderly.
While there are established methods to tackle vascular aging, such as physical activity, antihypertensive therapy, and lipid-lowering drugs, researchers are constantly exploring new treatments to enhance vascular health in older adults.
A recent study published in GeroScience brings a fresh perspective on Empagliflozin (Empa), an FDA-approved drug designed to lower blood sugar in type 2 diabetes patients. The study delved into the potential of Empa in counteracting vascular aging.
Comparative Analysis of Vascular Health: The initial phase of the study established a baseline by comparing the blood vessel function and stiffness between young adults (avg. age 25) and older adults (avg. age 61).
As anticipated, the older group exhibited a significant decline in endothelial function and an increase in aortic stiffness.
Empa’s Effects on Aged Mice: The research’s critical phase focused on 72-week-old male mice. These mice were divided into two categories: one group was fed with Empa-enriched food, while the other followed a standard diet.
The exciting revelation came after six weeks when the Empa-treated group demonstrated enhanced blood vessel function, diminished arterial stiffness, and other vascular advantages.
Mechanism Behind Empa’s Effectiveness: The underlying mechanism that gives Empa its potential to combat vascular aging lies in its ability to inhibit sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2).
SGLT2 inhibitors function by hindering the kidneys from reintroducing glucose into the bloodstream, assisting in reducing blood glucose levels.
As per Camila Manrique-Acevedo, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Missouri, this is the inaugural study to delve into the potential of SGLT2 inhibition in countering vascular aging.
The Path Ahead: While these findings are preliminary and derived from animal studies, they set the stage for more in-depth clinical investigations into SGLT2 inhibition’s role.
If these results translate into humans, it could revolutionize the approach to vascular health in the aging population, adding a potent tool alongside the existing therapeutic methods.
This research’s funding came from reputed institutions, including the National Institutes of Health and a VA Merit Grant, adding credence to the study’s importance.
Furthermore, with no potential conflicts of interest reported by the authors, the findings hold great promise for future studies and potential therapeutic applications.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies that pomace olive oil could help lower blood cholesterol, and honey could help control blood sugar.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about Vitamin D that may reduce dangerous complications in diabetes and results showing plant-based protein foods may help reverse type 2 diabetes.
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