Browsing by Author "Muric, Maja (59002523500)"

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common complex endocrinological condition of women that is associated with infertility and metabolic disorders during the reproductive period. Recently, a great deal of research has focused on the etiopathogenesis of this disorder and the modulation of therapeutic approaches. There are still many controversies in the choice of therapy, and metformin is one of the most commonly used agents in the treatment of PCOS. Considering the link between metabolic disorders and PCOS, glycemic status is crucial in these patients, and sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) represent a potentially promising new therapeutic approach. These drugs have been shown to improve glucose metabolism, reduce adipose tissue, decrease oxidative stress, and protect the cardiovascular system. These data prompted us to investigate the effects of empagliflozin (EMPA) in a PCOS rat model and compare them with the effects of metformin. We confirmed that EMPA positively affects somatometric parameters, glucose and lipid metabolism, and the levels of sex hormones, as well as reduces oxidative stress and improves ovarian function and morphology. Administration of EMPA at doses of 5 mg/kg, 15 mg/kg, and 45 mg/kg during a 4-week treatment period improved, as induced by estradiol valerate and a high-fat diet, the metabolic and reproductive statuses in a PCOS rat model. The best effects, which were comparable to the effects of metformin, were achieved in groups receiving the middle and highest applied doses of EMPA. These results may prompt further clinical research on the use of EMPA in patients with PCOS. © 2024 by the authors.

Purpose: The idea behind this study was to assess the effects of empagliflozin and sacubitril/valsartan and their combination on isoproterenol-induced heart failure (HF) and underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: HF was induced with 7-day isoproterenol (5 mg/kg daily), confirmed by ejection fraction below 55% after 4 weeks. HF rats received empagliflozin, sacubitril/valsartan, or both for 4 weeks. Parameters measured included hemodynamics, cardiac function, redox status, and histomorphology. Results: Isoproterenol impaired hemodynamics and cardiac function, increased oxidative damage, and altered cardiac structure. All treatments were cardioprotective; however, combined empagliflozin and sacubitril/valsartan therapy had the most pronounced effect. Conclusion: Combined empagliflozin and sacubitril/valsartan showed superior cardioprotection in HF, primarily by enhancing antioxidative effects. These findings support early use of both drugs in HF treatment. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2025.

Purpose: The idea behind this study was to assess the effects of empagliflozin and sacubitril/valsartan and their combination on isoproterenol-induced heart failure (HF) and underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: HF was induced with 7-day isoproterenol (5 mg/kg daily), confirmed by ejection fraction below 55% after 4 weeks. HF rats received empagliflozin, sacubitril/valsartan, or both for 4 weeks. Parameters measured included hemodynamics, cardiac function, redox status, and histomorphology. Results: Isoproterenol impaired hemodynamics and cardiac function, increased oxidative damage, and altered cardiac structure. All treatments were cardioprotective; however, combined empagliflozin and sacubitril/valsartan therapy had the most pronounced effect. Conclusion: Combined empagliflozin and sacubitril/valsartan showed superior cardioprotection in HF, primarily by enhancing antioxidative effects. These findings support early use of both drugs in HF treatment. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2025.