Effect of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor linagliptin on atherosclerotic lesions in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits: iMap-IVUS and pathological analysis

AbstractDipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors have potential as a treatment for atherosclerosis. However, it is unclear whether DPP-4 inhibitors stabilize atherosclerotic plaque or alter the composition of complex plaque. Sixteen Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits aged 10 –12 weeks with atherosclerotic plaque in the brachiocephalic artery detected by iMap™ intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) were divided into a DPP-4 inhibitor group and a control group. Linagliptin was administered to the DPP-4 inhibitor group via nasogastric tube at a dose of 10  mg/kg/day for 16 weeks, and control rabbits received the same volume of 0.5% hydroxyethylcellulose. After evaluation by IVUS at 16 weeks, the brachiocephalic arteries were harvested for pathological examination. IVUS revealed that linagliptin significantly reduced the plaque volume and vessel vo lume (control group vs. DPP-4 inhibitor group: ∆plaque volume, 1.02 ± 0.96 mm3 vs.  − 3.59 ± 0.92 mm3,P = 0.004; ∆vessel volume,  − 1.22 ± 2.36 mm3 vs.  − 8.66 ± 2.33 mm3,P = 0.04; %change in plaque volume, 6.90 ± 5.62% vs.  − 15.06 ± 3.29%,P = 0.005). With regard to plaque composition, linagliptin significantly reduced the volume of fibrotic, lipidic, and necrotic plaque (control group vs. DPP-4 inhibitor group: ∆fibrotic volume, 0.56 ± 1.27 mm3 vs.  − 5.57 ± 1.46 mm3,P = 0.04; ∆lipidic volume, 0.24 ± 0.24 mm3 vs.  − ...
Source: Heart and Vessels - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research