Effects of Dapagliflozin on Epicardial Fat Thickness in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity

Objective: Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness is a marker of visceral fat and an emerging therapeutic target. Dapagliflozin, a selective sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, improves glucose control and induces moderate weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Dapagliflozin has recently been shown to reduce cardiovascular risk. Nevertheless, whether dapagliflozin could reduce EAT thickness is unknown. Methods: This hypothesis was tested in a 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in 100 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with BMI ≥ 27 kg/m² and a hemoglobin A1c level ≤ 8% on metformin monotherapy. Individuals were randomly assigned to 2 groups to receive additional dapagliflozin up to 10 mg once daily or to remain on metformin up to 1,000 mg twice daily. Ultrasound-measured EAT thickness was measured at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. Results: In the dapagliflozin group, EAT decreased by 20% from baseline to 24 weeks, by 15% after 12 weeks, and by 7% between 12 and 24 weeks, respectively (P < 0.01 for all), whereas in the metformin group, there was a significant but smaller EAT reduction. There was no statistically significant correlation between EAT and body weight changes. Conclusions: Dapagliflozin causes a rapid and significant EAT reduction that could be independent of weight loss.