Effects of sitagliptin on hematological parameters, erythropoietin levels, and renal and liver functions in patients with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

The present study aimed to reveal the prospective interplay between sitagliptin and hematological parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (Ty2‑DM) in order to provide insightful modalities for optimized patient care. For this purpose, a retrospective cohort study was conducted in private clinics and a total of 135 participants were enrolled. The study was designed to adhere to the World Medical Association's Declaration of Helsinki on the moral conduct of trials on humans or animals. The patients were divided into three groups as follows: Group 1 (the control group) included 45 healthy individuals, group 2 consisted of 45 patients with Ty2‑DM treated with metformin daily as a monotherapy, and group 3 included 45 patients with Ty2‑DM treated with a combination of sitagliptin plus metformin daily. Blood samples were collected from all participants to estimate the values of the glycemic status, renal and liver functions, complete blood count, ferritin and erythropoietin (EPO). As demonstrated by the results, the renal and liver function parameters were compa‑ rable between groups 2 and 3. Group 3 had higher hemoglobin (Hb) (P=0.006) and ferritin (P=0.02) levels, and a greater number of red blood cells (RBCs) (P=0.004), in comparison to group 2. Additionally, in group 3, the correlation analysis revealed a significant inverse correlation between ferritin and EPO, with a significant direct correlation between ferritin and Hb, RBCs, hematocrit and mean corpuscular volume, respec‑ tively. On the whole, the present study highlights the potential of sitagliptin to alter hematological parameters in patients with Ty2‑DM, which is closely associated with ferritin levels.