Metformin and empagliflozin are well-established antidiabetic agents with proven efficacy in glycemic control. This study evaluated and compared their effects on hematological parameters in high-fat diet-streptozotocin (HFD-STZ)-induced diabetic rats over 9 weeks. Both drugs exhibited immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and hematoprotective properties, as evidenced by significant reductions in white blood cell counts, particularly in the low-dose empagliflozin group, indicating early and sustained suppression of diabetes-associated chronic inflammation. Despite these benefits, hemoglobin levels remained significantly reduced across all treatment groups, suggesting persistent anemia likely linked to oxidative stress and impaired erythropoiesis. Notably, red blood cell counts and hematocrit values increased in the high-dose empagliflozin and metformin-treated groups, indicating partial recovery of erythropoiesis. Mean corpuscular volume remained stable, implying preserved red blood cell maturation and suggesting anemia arose primarily from decreased hemoglobin content rather than changes in cell size. Platelet counts consistently declined under treatment, reflecting potential anti-inflammatory effects while also raising concerns about thrombocytopenia and bleeding risk in diabetic conditions. These findings highlight the multifaceted roles of metformin and empagliflozin beyond glycemic control, underscoring their impact on hematological health and inflammation in diabetes.
Metformin, Empagliflozin, Erythropoiesis, Antidiabetic Agents.
IRE Journals:
Eboagwu Lynda Ijeoma , Monago-Ighorodje Comfort
"Comparative Effects of Metformin and Empagliflozin on Hematological Parameters in STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 8 Issue 11 2025 Page 2130-2137
IEEE:
Eboagwu Lynda Ijeoma , Monago-Ighorodje Comfort
"Comparative Effects of Metformin and Empagliflozin on Hematological Parameters in STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 8(11)