Effect of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor linagliptin on structural manifestations of diabetic nephropathy was studied in BKS.Cg-Dock7m+/+Leprdb/J mice (experimental model of type 2 diabetes mellitus). Linagliptin (10 mg/kg per day) or vehicle was administered by gavage over 8 weeks. Mesangial expansion, thickening of the basement membrane in glomerular capillaries and proximal tubules, and retraction of cytopodia were less pronounced in mice receiving linagliptin. The protective effect of linagliptin on the kidney structure was not associated with its hypoglycemic action.
Keywords: diabetic nephropathy; linagliptin; type 2 diabetes mellitus.