Tracking hepcidin level in induced type 2 diabetic rats and how Empagliflozin affects its level.

Background: Hepcidin is a hormone that contributes to iron homeostasis, produced either through hepatic or extrahepatic pathways. Its production may be affected by proinflammatory mediators released by macrophages, which play a role in the development of peripheral insulin resistance. Insulin itself may increase the production of hepcidin hormone from pancreatic β-cells.

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of induction of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in albino wister rats on the level of hepcidin. Also, to examine the role of 2-week use of Empagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2 Inhibitor), on the hepcidin level comparing to control.

Method: An interventional study includes randomization of 36 rats into three groups (A: negative control, B: positive control, and C: Empagliflozin group). Two rats were excluded from the study for different reasons. T2DM was induced using high-fat diet/high-sugar diet (HFD/HSD) for 8 weeks. Empagliflozin was then given to Group C for 2 weeks at a dose of 35 mg/kg/day. Hepcidin level was determined at the baseline, and at week 8 and week 10 intervals. Hepcidin was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results: Hepcidin level significantly increased following the induction of T2DM in both B and C Groups. Hepcidin level in Group B insignificantly reduced 2 weeks after discontinuation of HFD/HSD and significantly reduced in Group C. Group A experienced no statistical difference in hepcidin level at week 10 when compared to baseline.

Conclusion: Induction of T2DM is associated with a significant increase in the level of hepcidin. Empagliflozin significantly reduced hepcidin level in newly induced diabetic rats.