DPP-IV inhibitor anagliptin exerts anti-inflammatory effects on macrophages, adipocytes, and mouse livers by suppressing NF-κB activation

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) expression in visceral adipose tissue is reportedly increased in obese patients, suggesting an association of DPP-IV with inflammation. In this study, first, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- or palmitate-induced elevations of inflammatory cytokine mRNA expressions in RAW264.7 macrophages were shown to be significantly suppressed by coincubation with a DPP-IV inhibitor, anagliptin (10 mu M), despite low DPP-IV expression in the RAW264.7 cells. Regarding the molecular mechanism, LPS-induced degradation of I kappa B alpha and phosphorylations of p65, JNK, and p38, as well as NF-kappa B and AP-1 promoter activities, were revealed to be suppressed by incubation with anagliptin, indicating suppressive effects of anagliptin on both NF-kappa B and AP-1 signaling pathways. Anagliptin also acted on 3T3-L1 adipocytes, weakly suppressing the inflammatory cytokine expressions induced by LPS and TNF alpha. When 3T3-L1 and RAW cells were cocultured and stimulated with LPS, the effects of anagliptin on the suppression of cytokine expressions in 3T3-L1 adipocytes were more marked and became evident at the 10 mu M concentration. Anti-inflammatory effects of anagliptin were also observed in vivo on the elevated hepatic and adipose expressions and serum concentrations of inflammatory cytokines in association with the suppression of hepatic NF-kappa B transcriptional activity in LPS-infused mice. Taking these observations together, the anti-inflammatory properties of anagliptin may be beneficial in terms of preventing exacerbation of diabetes and cardiovascular events.