Dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (
DPP-IV) inhibitors are expected to prolong the half-life of
Glucagon-like peptide (GLP-2) as well as
GLP-1, and may result in the promotion of epithelial cell proliferation and regeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a
DPP-IV inhibitor can promote epithelial proliferation and attenuate
dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced
colitis. Nine-week-old female C57/B6 mice were given a single dose of
ER-319711 to assess the changes in plasma GLP-2 concentrations. Ten mice were divided into two groups: a vehicle group and an
ER-319711 group.
ER-319711 was administered orally for 7 days. The mice were then given
bromodeoxyuridine (
BrdU) intraperitoneally 2 h before sacrifice on day 7. Twenty-six mice were divided into three groups: a vehicle group, a DSS-induced
colitis group and a DSS-induced
colitis treated with
ER-319711 group. The mice were given DSS for 5 days and sacrificed on day 14. Plasma GLP-2 levels were elevated in response to
ER-319711. The
ER-319711 group had a significantly decreased
body weight from days 1 to 3. The number of
BrdU positive cells per crypt and the crypt height were increased in the
ER-319711 group. The DSS +
ER-319711 group had a decreased
body weight transition. The disease activity index and colon length showed an amelioration of
colitis in the DSS +
ER-319711 group.
DPP-IV inhibitors are thought to promote the proliferation of the intestinal epithelium. However, the amelioration of DSS-induced
colitis was only partial.