Journal of Ophthalmic and Vision Research

Published date: Sep 02 2025

Journal Title: Journal of Ophthalmic and Vision Research

Issue title: ‎Volume 20 - 2025

Pages: 1 - 10

DOI: 10.18502/jovr.v20.15231

Lia Meuthia Zainilia_mzaini@unsyiah.ac.idFaculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Education, Syiah Kuala University, Banda Aceh

Arief S Kartasasmitaa.kartasasmita@unpad.ac.idFaculty of Medicine, Padjadjaran University, Bandung

Tjahjono D Gondhowiardjotdg@jec.co.idFaculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Indonesia University, Jakarta

Maimun Syukrimaimun_62@unsyiah.ac.idFaculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Education, Syiah Kuala University, Banda Aceh

Ronny Lesmanaronny@unpad.ac.idFaculty of Medicine, Padjadjaran University, Bandung

Purpose: To assess the effect of empagliflozin on the expression of SGLT-2 and GLUT-1 in the chorioretina of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
Methods: An in vivo experimental study was performed on Wistar rats. After a 2-week adaptation period, the rats were allocated to one of four groups. The group allocations were as follows: (K1) negative control (no intervention); (K2) positive control injected with streptozotocin (STZ) without treatment; (K3) positive control injected with STZ and treated with metformin; and (K4) positive control injected with STZ and treated with empagliflozin. SGLT-2 and GLUT-1 expressions were examined using the Western blot technique.
Results: SGLT-2 was expressed in the chorioretinal tissue of all groups; administration of SGLT-2 inhibitors could suppress its expression. The average band thickness indicated that SGLT-2 expression was higher in diabetic rats compared to rats with normal sugar levels. GLUT-1 expression was noticed in all groups based on the chorioretinal examination. It did not change in the metformin group, whereas the empagliflozin group showed a significant decrease in the GLUT-1 expression.
Conclusion: Both metformin and empagliflozin suppress the expression of SGLT-2 and GLUT-1 in the chorioretina of diabetic rats. In comparison, empagliflozin seems to be more potent in reducing this expression.

Keywords: Chorioretina, Empagliflozin, GLUT-1, Metformin, SGLT2

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