Fig. 7

Linagliptin inhibits the cardiac and systemic inflammatory responses to western diet. a WD increases myocardial IL-18 protein and mRNA expression, b pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression (1L-6, IL-17A, IL-17F and MCP-1), c plasma pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-17A, and IL-18), and d myocardial angiotensin type 1 receptor (AGTR1) gene expression. These WD-induced inflammatory responses are prevented by linagliptin e, f WD increases CD68 positive immunofluorescence in the heart, indicating enhanced macrophage infiltration. g WD also increased CD68 mRNA expression. Linagliptin tended to reduce CD68 protein and mRNA levels. h Linagliptin induces anti-inflammatory IL-10 expression. *p < 0.05 vs CD and ^†p < 0.05 vs WD. N = 5–6/group. AVGI average grey scale intensities