Effect of Canagliflozin, an SGLT2 Inhibitor, in Comparison with Atorvastatin on Dexamethasone-Induced Hepatic Steatosis in Albino Rats

Background: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease that is considered to be the most common liver disease all over the world. It causes metabolic and hepatic damage that can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Objective: Our research pointed to study the preventive effects of Canagliflozin (CANA) in comparison with Atorvastatin (ATO) as well as the combination of both on the development of experimental hepatic steatosis and dyslipidemia.

Methods: Animals were grouped as control group; Dexamethasone (DEX) group; ATO/DEX treated group; CANA/DEX treated group and ATO+CANA/DEX treated group.

Results: Significant elevations were observed in GSH, SOD and CAT activities, while highly significant decreases were observed in serum GOT, GPT, ALP, urea, blood glucose, CK-MB, LDH, T.G, T.C, MDA and P.C levels in the treated groups as compared to DEX group during experimental periods. Also, significant reductions in SGPT, SGOT, ALP, CK-MB, LDH, T.C and T.G levels were observed in CANA/DEX group as compared to ATO/DEX group. All these results were confirmed with histopathological findings where the severe damages and fatty degeneration in both kidney and liver tissues that developed by DEX administration were resolved by administration of ATO alone or in combination with CANA.

Conclusion: These results indicate that CANA was as effective as ATO or a combination of both in reducing dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis. The antioxidant and hypolipidemic effects of CANA may be responsible for the beneficial effects.