Progress in the investigation of cardiovascular protective effects of DPP-4 inhibitors / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

ABSTRACT

Dipeptydil-peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are designed as oral anti-hyperglycemic drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes owing to their effects on the incretin system through sparing incretin hormones including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) from rapid degradation by DPP-4.It has been shown that GLP-1 signaling may exert beneficial effects on cardiovascular system.In addition to GLP-1,DPP-4 physiologically cleaves cytokines,chemokines,and neuropeptides involved in inflammation,immunity,and vascular function.It means that DPP-4 inhibitors hold promise for cardiovascular protection independent of GLP-1.And its modulation of endothelial progenitor cells,infiammatory pathway,ischemic response,and lipid metabolism emerges as the major cardiovascular target of DPP-4 inhibitors.