title: Dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors: how do they work as new antidiabetic agents?
abstract: A number of new approaches to diabetes therapy are currently undergoing clinical trials, including those involving stimulation of the pancreatic beta-cell with the gut-derived insulinotropic hormones (incretins), GIP and GLP-1. The current review focuses on an approach based on the inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DP IV), the major enzyme responsible for degrading the incretins in vivo. The rationale for this approach was that blockade of incretin degradation would increase their physiological actions, including the stimulation of insulin secretion and inhibition of gastric emptying. It is now clear that both GIP and GLP-1 also have powerful effects on beta-cell differentation, mitogenesis and survival. By potentiating these pleiotropic actions of the incretins, DP IV inhibition can therefore preserve beta-cell mass and improve secretory function in diabetics.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2146 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z3. mcintoch@interchange.ubc.ca
authors.forename: Christopher H S
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: McIntosh
authors.forename: Hans-Ulrich
authors.initials: HU
authors.lastname: Demuth
authors.forename: J Andrew
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Pospisilik
authors.forename: Raymond
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pederson
mesh_terms: D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018819:Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 / Q000378:metabolism*; D005749:Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide / Q000378:metabolism; D005934:Glucagon / Q000378:metabolism; D052216:Glucagon-Like Peptide 1; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000378:metabolism; D011480:Protease Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011498:Protein Precursors / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D011480:Protease Inhibitors; D011498:Protein Precursors; D005749:Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide; D052216:Glucagon-Like Peptide 1; D005934:Glucagon; D018819:Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4