Sodium-glucose Co Transporter 2 (sGLT2) Inhibitor and Endogenous Ketone Production

Study Summary

Background: The drug empagliflozin treats diabetes. It lowers blood sugar by increasing glucose the kidneys excrete. This increases levels of ketones formed in the blood. The body makes ketones when it does not have enough glucose for fuel. The brains of many people with age-related diseases like Alzheimer's do not use glucose well. Brain use of ketones might improve mental ability. We investigated how empagliflozin affects ketone levels, which could lead to ways to improve brain health as people age. Objectives: To study how taking empagliflozin affects systemic and brain metabolism including ketone levels in people without diabetes. Eligibility: Adults at least 55 years old without diabetes Design: After a screening Visit, eligible participants were admitted to the NIA Clinical Unit during Visits 1 (baseline), 2 (first dose) and 3 (last/14th dose). On each Visit, blood draws were performed and circulating metabolites and hormones were repeatedly measured over 34-hour periods. Using plasma from fasting state only, we isolated total and neuronal-origin extracellular vesicles to measure proteins of the IGF-1 and insulin signaling cascades. Furthermore, on each Visit, we performed magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to measure concentrations of a plethora of metabolites in the brain. Between Visits 2 and 3, participants were taking the drug at home. A continuous glucose monitoring device was placed to detect potential glucose fluctuations while at home. The study was concluded for participants after the end of Visit 3.

Primary Outcome

Change in serum β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) after 14 days on empagliflozin, compared with baseline.

Interventions

• DRUG empagliflozin (Jardiance) 25 mg