Conclusions
In summary, empagliflozin activated Wnt/β-catenin to stimulate FUNDC1-dependent mitochondrial quality surveillance, ultimately improving mitochondrial function and cardiac performance during CRS-3. Thus, empagliflozin could be considered for the clinical management of heart function following acute kidney injury.
Methods
Cardiomyocyte-specific FUNDC1-knockout (FUNDC1CKO) mice were subjected to CRS-3 prior to assessment of mitochondrial homeostasis in the presence or absence of empagliflozin.
Results
CRS-3 model mice exhibited lower heart function, increased inflammatory responses and exacerbated myocardial oxidative stress than sham-operated controls; however, empagliflozin attenuated these alterations. Empagliflozin stabilized the mitochondrial membrane potential, suppressed mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production, increased mitochondrial respiratory complex activity and restored the oxygen consumption rate in cardiomyocytes from CRS-3 model mice. Empagliflozin also normalized the mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial dynamics and mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening rate in cardiomyocytes. Cardiomyocyte-specific ablation of FUN14 domain-containing protein 1 (FUNDC1) in mice abolished the protective effects of empagliflozin on mitochondrial homeostasis and myocardial performance. Empagliflozin activated β-catenin and promoted its nuclear retention, thus increasing FUNDC1-induced mitophagy in heart tissues; however, a β-catenin inhibitor reversed these effects. Conclusions: In summary, empagliflozin activated Wnt/β-catenin to stimulate FUNDC1-dependent mitochondrial quality surveillance, ultimately improving mitochondrial function and cardiac performance during CRS-3. Thus, empagliflozin could be considered for the clinical management of heart function following acute kidney injury.