Fig. 7

Mitochondrial expansion and sarcomere disorganization in DbC is improved by empagliflozin treatment. a Illustrates the normal appearance of the inter myofibrillar (IMF) mitochondria (Mt) in the myocardium of CkC. Note the orderly row of sarcomeres (S) alternating with a row of IMF-Mt. Inset a shows normal cristae structure. b Depicts the marked IMF-Mt expansion with attenuation of the Mt matrix electron density, loss of Mt cristae (inset b), fusion of Mt cristae and Mt fragmentation in the diabetic DbC models. Also note the disorganized appearance of the sarcomeres. c Demonstrates that empagliflozin protects the cardiomyocyte from IMF-Mt expansion, decreased IMF-Mt matrix electron density, IMF-Mt cristae fragmentation (inset c), fusion of cristae and loss and sarcomere disorganization. Magnification ×2000; bar 1 µm in a–c. Insets a–c depict Mt cristae structure. Magnification ×4000; bar 0.5 µm. d–f represent CkC, DbC and DbE, respectively, at lower magnifications ×800; bar 2 µm