DPP-4 inhibition improves early mortality, [beta] cell function, and adipose tissue inflammation in db/db mice fed a diet containing sucrose and linoleic acid

Background Diabetes therapy that not only lowers glucose levels but also lengthens life spans is required. We previously demonstrated that DPP-4 inhibition ameliorated [beta] cell apoptosis and adipose tissue inflammation in [beta] cell-specific glucokinase haploinsufficient mice fed a diet containing a combination of sucrose and linoleic acid (SL). Methods In this study, we investigated the effects of DPP-4 inhibition in obese diabetic db/db mice fed an SL diet or a control diet containing sucrose and oleic acid (SO). We also examined the effects of DPP-4 inhibition in IRS-1-deficient mice fed an SL or SO diet as a model of insulin resistance. Results DPP-4 inhibition efficiently increases the active GLP-1 levels in db/db mice. Unexpectedly, the SL diet, but not the SO diet, markedly increases mortality in the db/db mice. DPP-4 inhibition reduces the early lethality in SL-fed db/db mice. DPP-4 inhibition improves glucose tolerance, [beta] cell function, and adipose tissue inflammation in db/db mice fed either diet. No significant changes in glycemic control or [beta] cell mass were observed in any of the IRS-1-deficient mouse groups. Conclusions A diet containing a combination of sucrose and linoleic acid causes early lethality in obese diabetic db/db mice, but not in lean and insulin resistant IRS-1 knockout mice. DPP-4 inhibition has protective effects against the diet-induced lethality in db/db mice. Keywords: Type 2 diabetes, DPP-4 inhibitor, Life span, Insulin resistance, Pancreatic [beta] cell, Adipose tissue