29.1. 2024, Experimentální hypertenze

PhD project: Mechanisms of gliflozins action in the treatment of non-diabetic experimental models of cardiovascular diseases

Gliflozins (inhibitors of sodium-glucose transporter 2 – SGLT-2) are a new class of antidiabetic drugs. Although they exert their hypoglycaemic effects through the inhibition of the sodium-glucose transporter at renal proximal tubule promoting glucose and sodium excretion, their potential goes far beyond. Thus, apart from the lowering of blood pressure and body weight, they are also renoprotective, cardioprotective and hepatoprotective both in diabetic but also non-diabetic patients. There are numerous experimental data on the effects of different gliflozins in diabetic kidney and heart disease. However, the experiments in non-diabetic animals are relatively scarce. Therefore, the aim of the PhD project will be to study molecular mechanisms of actions of these new class of antidiabetic drugs under non-diabetic conditions, with special focus on their combination with other drugs used in cardiovascular pathophysiology. 

Candidate’s profile (requirements):

We are looking for motivated candidates with master's degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology, or related fields. They should be fluent in English and interested in experimental research.

Supervisor: RNDr. Ivana Vaněčková, DSc. 

References:

Hüttl et al: Metabolic cardio- and reno-protective effects of empagliflozin in a prediabetic rat model, J Physiol Pharmacol, 71(5), 2020

Hojná S et al: Antihypertensive and metabolic effects of empagliflozin in Ren-2 transgenic rats, an experimental non-diabetic model of hypertension. Biomed Pharmacother.

2021;144:112246.

Malínská H et al: Beneficial Effects of Empagliflozin Are Mediated by Reduced Renal Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats Expressing Human C-Reactive Protein. Biomedicines. 2022;10(9):2066.