Effect of Sitagliptin on Endothelial Progenitor Cells

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are involved in cardiovascular homeostasis, through angiogenesis and endothelial healing. Diabetic patients have a high risk of cardiovascular events and low levels of circulating EPCs. Sitagliptin is an oral DPP-IV antagonist, approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It increases the bioavailability of endogenous incretins, thus improving insulin and glucagon secretion. SDF-1, one of the major EPC regulators, is also a substrate of DPP-IV. This study tests the hypothesis that sitagliptin increases the levels of circulating EPCs in type 2 diabetic patients.