How does a DPP-4 inhibitor work?

DPP-4 inhibitors work by blocking the action of DPP-4, an enzyme which destroys the hormone incretin. Incretins help the body produce more insulin only when it is needed and reduce the amount of glucose being produced by the liver when it is not needed.

What is the main function of DPP-4 inhibitor?

The dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors enhance the body’s own ability to control blood glucose by increasing the active levels of incretin hormones in the body. Their mechanism of action is distinct from any existing class of oral glucose-lowering agents.

What does the DPP4 enzyme do?

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) is a multifunctional protein that exerts biological activity through pleiotropic actions including: protease activity (1), association with adenosine deaminase (ADA) (2), interaction with the extracellular matrix (3), cell surface coreceptor activity mediating viral entry (4), and …

Where is DPP4 secreted?

DPP4 is mainly secreted by endothelial cells and acts as a regulatory protease for cytokines, chemokines, and neuropeptides involved in inflammation, immunity, and vascular function.

How safe are DPP-4 inhibitors?

Most DPP-4 inhibitors are primarily cleared by the kidney . Thus, as GFR declines most DPP-4 inhibitors need their dose reduced. With such dose reductions, these drugs are considered safe in patients with renal impairment, including those using dialysis.

What is mean by DPP4 inhibitor?

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are a class of medicine that lower high blood glucose levels and may be used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. DPP-4 inhibitors slow the inactivation and degradation of GLP-1, a hormone involved in glucose removal from the gut.

What does dipeptidyl-peptidase IV inhibitors mean?

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) is an enzyme that is involved in the rapid metabolism of incretins , such as glucagon-like peptide. Inhibitors of DPP IV therefore extend the action of incretins.