Exploring the modulatory effects of sotagliflozin on dyslipidemia in mice: The role of glucagon, fibroblast growth factor 21 and glucagon-like peptide 1

Sotagliflozin is the first dual SGLT1/2 inhibitor antidiabetic drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the management of heart failure. SGLT1/2 inhibition is observed to potentiate the secretion of the incretin hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). The current preclinical research sought to investigate the effect of sotagliflozin on the secretion of fat-regulating peptides such as GLP-1, glucagon and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and their prospective association with sotagliflozin's potential beneficial effects on dyslipidaemia. During an oral fat tolerance test in mice, sotagliflozin substantially increased GLP-1 and insulin concentrations. Although sotagliflozin alone did not ameliorate postprandial lipemia, its combination with linagliptin (DPP-IV inhibitor) significantly improved lipid tolerance comparable to orlistat (lipase inhibitor). In a triton-induced hypertriglyceridemia model, sotagliflozin, along with other medications (fenofibrate, exenatide and linagliptin) reduced fat excursion; however, co-administration with linagliptin provided no extra advantage. Furthermore, sotagliflozin stimulated glucagon secretion in the alpha TC1.6 cells and healthy mice, which resulted in an increased circulating FGF21 and β-hydroxybutyrate concentration. Finally, chronic treatment of sotagliflozin in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed obese mice resulted in reduced body weight gain, liver triglyceride, cholesterol, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels compared with the placebo group. However, the addition of linagliptin did not provide any additional benefit. In conclusion, sotagliflozin was found to have an effect on GLP-1 and also stimulate the release of glucagon and FGF21, which are important for regulating fat metabolism. Therefore, sotagliflozin might represent a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of diabetic dyslipidemia and steatohepatitis.

Synthesis of chromium-D-phenylalanine complex and exploring its effects on reproduction and development in Drosophila melanogaster

The present study was undertaken to explore the effect of Chromium-D-phenylalanine (Cr (D-phe)3) on the reproduction and development of Drosophila melanogaster. Cr (D-phe)3 was synthesized and characterized by infrared spectral analysis, melting point (DSC), and UV spectral analysis. D. melanogaster was raised in corn flour agar medium containing 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 μg/mL of Cr (D-phe)3. The effect of Cr (D-phe)3 was evaluated by observing the larval period, pupal period, percentage of egg hatching, morphometric analysis of eggs, larvae, pupae and adults, fertility, fecundity, lifespan of the emerged flies, and levels of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the supernatant of flies homogenate suspension. The study results indicate that Cr (D-phe)3 showed beneficial effects on reproduction and development in D. melanogaster. Cr (D-phe)3 significantly improved the larval period, pupal period, percentage of egg hatching, morphometric characters of the larva, pupa, and adult, fertility, fecundity, and lifespan of D. melanogaster. Moreover, Cr (D-phe)3 also significantly elevated the levels of catalase (p < 0.01), GST (p < 0.05), and SOD (p < 0.01) in D. melanogaster, and results were statistically significant at the dose of 15 μg/mL. The study results indicate that Cr (D-phe)3 has a positive effect on the reproduction and development of D. melanogaster. The literature review revealed that there is a strong relationship between the physiology of metabolism, oxidative stress and reproduction and development. Several studies propose that Cr(III) influences insulin sensitivity and thereby the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Cr (D-phe)3 also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, the observed beneficial effects of Cr (D-phe)3 on reproduction and development of D. melanogaster may be attributed to its physiological effect on carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.