Dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitors are expected to prolong the half-life of Glucagon-like peptide (GLP-2) as well as GLP-1, and may result in the promotion of epithelial cell proliferation and regeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a DPP-IV inhibitor can promote epithelial proliferation and attenuate dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. Nine-week-old female C57/B6 mice were given a single dose of ER-319711 to assess the changes in plasma GLP-2 concentrations. Ten mice were divided into two groups: a vehicle group and an ER-319711 group. ER-319711 was administered orally for 7 days. The mice were then given bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) intraperitoneally 2 h before sacrifice on day 7. Twenty-six mice were divided into three groups: a vehicle group, a DSS-induced colitis group and a DSS-induced colitis treated with ER-319711 group. The mice were given DSS for 5 days and sacrificed on day 14. Plasma GLP-2 levels were elevated in response to ER-319711. The ER-319711 group had a significantly decreased body weight from days 1 to 3. The number of BrdU positive cells per crypt and the crypt height were increased in the ER-319711 group. The DSS + ER-319711 group had a decreased body weight transition. The disease activity index and colon length showed an amelioration of colitis in the DSS + ER-319711 group. DPP-IV inhibitors are thought to promote the proliferation of the intestinal epithelium. However, the amelioration of DSS-induced colitis was only partial.

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