Role of DPP IV Inhibitor in Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus

Incretin hormones are defined as intestinal hormones released in response to nutrient ingestion, which potentiate he glucose-induced insulin response. In humans, the incretin effect is mainly caused by two peptide hormones, glucose-dependent insulin releasing polypeptide (GIP), and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GIP is secreted by K ells from the upper small intestine while GLP-1 is mainly produced in the enteroendocrine L cells located in the istal intestine. Their effect is mediated through their binding with specific receptors, though part of their iological action may also involve neural modulation. GIP and GLP-1 are both rapidly degraded into inactive etabolites by the enzyme dipeptidyl-peptidase-IV (DPP-IV). In addition to its effects on insulin secretion, GLP-1 exerts other significant actions, including stimulation of insulin biosynthesis, inhibition of glucagon secretion, nhibition of gastric emptying and acid secretion, reduction of food intake, and trophic effects on the pancreas. As he insulinotropic action of GLP-1 is preserved in type 2 diabetic patients, this peptide was likely to be developed s a therapeutic agent for this disease. t