Protective Effects of Sitagliptin on Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis via Modulation of Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress

Background: To examine the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of sitagliptin in restoring the intestinal mucosal barrier in rats with colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered 5% DSS in their drinking water to induce colitis. Sitagliptin was administered intragastrically at a dose of 15 mg/kg/day for a duration of eight days. Changes in the colon tissue were histologically examined, and the disease activity index (DAI) score was measured. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase were evaluated. Gene expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, tight junction proteins occludin and ZO-1 was assessed. Levels of SGOT, SGPT, and serum iron were also measured. Results: Sitagliptin diminished DAI and histological index scores, as well as MDA levels, while augmenting SOD, GPx, and catalase levels over an eight-day period. Based on proinflammatory cytokines, sitagliptin reduced colon inflammation. Compared to the untreated DSS group, sitagliptin increased serum iron and lowered SGOT and SGPT. Conclusions: The present results indicate that administering sitagliptin orally for a week could aid in the recovery from DSS-induced colitis by reducing oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Additional studies are required to make this applicable for patients suffering from colitis.