[Effect of liraglutide on interleukin-1β expression in the pancreatic islets of OLETF rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of liraglutide on the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and apoptotic factor caspase-3 expression in the pancreatic islets of OLETF rats with impaired glucose tolerance. METHODS: Twelve-week-old OLETF rats were randomized into 4 groups and received intraperitoneal injections of saline or liraglutide at 50, 100, or 200 µg/kg twice daily for 12 weeks. Eight LETO rats served as the normal control group and received saline injection. After the treatments, the rats were examined for fasting and 30 min plasma insulin during OGTT test, and the expression levels of IL-1β and caspase-3 mRNA and protein in the pancreatic islets were detected by real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. RESULTS: Compared with the saline group, liraglutide significantly decreased the expressions of IL-1β and caspase-3 mRNA and protein, and significantly improved the blood glucose, islet β function and early-phase insulin secretion index in OLETF rats. CONCLUSIONS: Liraglutide can improve islet function and glucose metabolism partially by inhibiting islet IL-1β expression to delay or prevent the development of diabetes in OLETF rats.