DDP-4 inhibitors restore memory in obese rats

Several studies have demonstrated that insulin resistance is associated with learning and memory decline. Vildagliptin and sitagliptin, dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 inhibitors, have recently been  developed as anti-diabetic drugs. However, the effects of both drugs on cognitive behaviours and brain mitochondrial function in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced insulin-resistant rats have not yet been investigated.

Pintana et al conducted this study on male Wistar rats to test the hypothesis that vildagliptin and sitagliptin can attenuate the impairment of cognitive behaviours and brain mitochondrial dysfunction in rats with insulin resistance induced by 12 weeks of HFD consumption.

Their study demonstrated that both vildagliptin and sitagliptin shared similar efficacy in attenuating peripheral insulin resistance, decreasing circulating and brain oxidative stress levels, and restoring brain and hippocampal mitochondrial function, thus leading to a prevention of learning and memory impairment in HFD-induced insulin-resistant rats.

Read the full article at Pintana et al (2013) Journal of Endocrinology 218; 1-11, DOI: 10.1530/JOE-12-0521.