Dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors:a new class of oral agents for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1), one kind of incretins, contributes to control blood glucose level with several routines. It can be degraded rapidly by the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase Ⅳ (DPP-Ⅳ). DPP-Ⅳ inhibitors augment glucose homeostasis by preventing degradation of GLP-1, which can stimulate insulin secretion, inhibit glucagon secretion, increase satiety, and slow gastric emptying . They are weight neutral, and are associated with low risk of hypoglycemia . This review highlights the characteristics of GLP-1, clinical efficacy, pharmacokinetics and adverse reactions of DPP-Ⅳ inhibitors.