title: Dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 inhibition: linking metabolic control to cardiovascular protection.
abstract: Dipeptidyl peptidases 4 (DPP4) inhibitors are a new class of oral anti-hyperglycemic drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). They are also called "incretins" because they act by inhibiting the degradation of endogenous incretin hormones, in particular GLP-1, that mediates their main metabolic effects. DPP4 is an ubiquitous protease that regulates not only glucose and lipid metabolism, but also exhibits several systemic effects at different site levels. DPP4 inhibition improves endothelial function, reduces the pro-oxidative and the pro-inflammatory state, and exerts renal effects. These actions are mediated by different DPP4 ligands, such as cytokines, growth factors, neuotransmitters etc. Clinical and experimental studies have demonstrated that DPP4 inhibitors are efficient in protecting cardiac, renal and vascular systems, through antiatherosclerotic and vasculoprotective mechanisms. For these reasons DDP4 inhibitors are thought to be "cardiovascular protective" as well as anti-diabetic drugs. Clinical trials aimed to demonstrate the efficacy of DPP4 inhibitors in reducing cardiovascular events, independent of their anti-hyperglycemic action, are ongoing. These trials will also give necessary information on their safety.
authors.forename: Angelo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Avogaro
authors.forename: Saula
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: de Kreutzenberg
authors.affiliation: Cattedra di Malattie del Metabolismo, Dipartimento di Medicina. Universita di Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova - Italia. angelo.avogaro@unipd.it.
authors.forename: Gianpaolo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fadini
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism*; D054873:Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D054873:Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents