We compared the cardioprotective effects of empagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, with those of vildagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, focusing on various inflammatory biomarkers lipid profile, and cardiac function, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

This was a prospective, randomized, double-dummy, parallel-group trial that enrolled 120 patients with T2DM. The patients were randomized 1: 1 for 6 months administration of empagliflozin or vildagliptin. by using consecutive ascending randomization numbers in the treatment blocks allocated to each study site. The randomization was stratified by the presence or absence of statin and oral antidiabetic therapy. The randomization list was produced using an automated random number generator.

Clinical parameters, assessment of atrial myocardial function, LVEF%, LA diameter, glycemic and lipid profile, adiponectin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and Sortilin levels will be determined at baseline and after the 6 months of treatment period.

Patient compliance was evaluated by the counting of pills by a physician at selected time-points. In addition, patients were provided with individual diary cards to record administration of the study medication on a daily basis. These cards were checked regularly by site staff.

The study will be approved by the local ethics committee and was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and its amendments. All included patients provided written informed consent.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. T2DM patients with chronic stable angina.
2. patients with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels of 6.0-10.0%.
3. patients aged 20-80 years.
4. patients with a body mass index of ≥ 22 kg/m2.
5. patients who provided written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus or secondary diabetes mellitus.
2. patients with renal dysfunction (estimated glomerular filtration rate < 45 mL/min/1.73 m2).
3. patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 30%.
4. patients with untreated cancer.
5. patients with hepatic cirrhosis.
6. patients with liver failure that was virus-, autoimmune- or drug-induced.
7. patients with alcoholism.
8. pregnant or breastfeeding patients, or those planning to become pregnant during the course of the study.
9. patients allergic to empagliflozin or vildagliptin.
10. patients with anemia (hemoglobin < 12 g/dL).