Clinical & Experimental Cardiology
Open Access

Abstract

Effect of Vildagliptin on Atherosclerosis Progression in High Cholesterol –Fed Male Rabbits

Najah R Hadi, Hussain Abdulkadhim, Ahmad Almudhafer and Sahar A Majeed

Background: Atherosclerosis is a progressive disease of large and medium-sized arteries characterized by the accumulation of lipids and fibrous elements in the large arteries. Aim of the study: This study was undertaken to assess the effect of vildagliptin on the progression of atherosclerosis via interfering with inflammatory and oxidative pathways.

Materials and Methods: 18 local domestic male rabbits were included in this study. The animals were randomly divided into three groups (6 rabbits for each group): Group I rabbits fed normal chow (oxiod) diet for 12 weeks. Group II rabbits fed 1% cholesterol enriched diet for 12 weeks. Group III rabbits fed with cholesterol enriched diet for 6 weeks, and then continued on cholesterol-enriched diet and treated with vildaglipin 50 mg/kg/day orally for the next 6 weeks. Blood samples were collected at the start of the study, at 6weeks of the study and then at the end of treatment course to measure Serum lipids profile [(TC), (TG), (HDL)], hsCRP and TNFα. At the end of the study the aorta were removed for measurement of aortic MDA, glutathione, sectioning for histopathology and measuring aortic intima- media thickness.

Results: Treatment of rabbits with vildagliptin for 6 weeks results in a significant reduction (P<0.05) in serum level of TC, TG, hsCRP and TNFα and a significant increase (P<0.05) in serum HDL level. There was a significant reduction (P<0.05) in aortic MDA and intima-media thickness, in comparison to the rabbits in the induced untreated control group. vildagliptin treatment cause significant increment (P<0.05) in aortic GSH in comparison to induced untreated group. Regarding the histopathological results, vildagliptin treatment for 6 weeks results in a significant reduction (P<0.05) in atherosclerotic lesions in comparison to the induced untreated group and significant reduction in aortic intima- media thickness (P<0.05).

Conclusions: Vildagliptin reduced atherosclerosis progression in hyperlipidemic rabbit via its effect on lipid parameters and interfering with inflammatory and oxidative stress pathway.