SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin attenuates HIV-associated cardiac fibrosis, steatosis and diastolic dysfunction in a mouse model via inhibition of TGFβ signaling.

Myocardial fibrosis, steatosis, and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction are increasing among people with HIV (PWH). The sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) dapagliflozin has efficacy for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention in type 2 diabetes and is a promising therapy for the inflammatory component of CVD risk in PWH. We show dapagliflozin preserved diastolic function and suppressed cardiac fibrosis and steatosis linked to HIV in mice, suggesting potential utility in PWH.