Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitors in the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase-Ⅳ (DPP-Ⅳ) provide a new strategy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It significantly enhances activity of glucagan-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and might impact anabolism of fatty tissue through adjusting the antilipotropism of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the fatty tissue. It can protect β cell mass by reducing the level of blood glucose. Combining with pioglitazone, mefformin and rosiglitazone respectively, DPP-Ⅳ inhibitors decrease blood glucose and HbA1c better without inducing hypoglycaemia or weight gain. As a result, further research of its therapeutical effect will be a hot spot. Key words: DPP-Ⅳinhibitor;  GLP-1 ;  β cell mass;  NPY ; Type 2 diabetes mellitus