Anagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, improved bladder function and hemodynamics in rats with bilateral internal iliac artery ligation.

Aims: To investigate the effect of anagliptin (Ana), a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitor, on acute ischemia‐induced bladder dysfunction in rats. Methods: Eight‐week‐old female Wistar‐ST rats were randomly assigned into four groups: (a) sham; (b) ligation (Lig); (c) Lig + Ana; and (d) Lig + Liraglutide (a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 [GLP‐1] receptor agonist; Lira). Rats in the Lig, Lig + Ana, and Lig + Lira groups underwent ligature of the bilateral internal iliac arteries. Ana was orally administered mixed with the CE‐2 diet. Lira was subcutaneously administered once a day. Blood glucose levels, plasma dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP‐4) activity, GLP‐1 levels, and bladder function were measured in all groups. Bladder blood flow was measured in the sham, Lig, and Lig + Ana groups, 4 weeks postsurgery. Results: No differences in blood glucose levels among the groups were observed. DPP‐4 activity decreased in the Lig + Ana group (P <.01). GLP‐1 levels in the Lig + Ana and Lig + Lira groups were higher than those in the sham and Lig groups (P <.01). Intercontraction intervals (ICIs) were longer in the Lig and Lig + Lira groups than in the sham group (P <.05), but similar to those observed in the Lig + Ana and sham groups. The Lig group exhibited reduced bladder blood flow relative to the sham group (P <.01); however, this measure improved in the Lig + Ana group (P <.01). Conclusions: Ana administration improved ICIs and bladder blood flow after acute bladder ischemia through a GLP‐1 receptor‐independent signaling pathway, without altering the blood glucose levels. Therefore, Ana dosing might be useful to prevent ischemia‐induced bladder dysfunctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]