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Review
. 2018 Jan;13(1):26-34.
doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.224365.

Tackling dipeptidyl peptidase IV in neurological disorders

Ghaith Al-Badri  1 , Gian Marco Leggio  2 , Giuseppe Musumeci  3 , Rubina Marzagalli  3 , Filippo Drago  2 , Alessandro Castorina  4
Affiliations
Review

Tackling dipeptidyl peptidase IV in neurological disorders

Ghaith Al-Badri et al. Neural Regen Res. 2018 Jan.

Abstract

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) is a serine protease best known for its role in inactivating glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), three stimulators of pancreatic insulin secretion with beneficial effects on glucose disposal. Owing to the relationship between DPP-IV and these peptides, inhibition of DPP-IV enzyme activity is considered as an attractive treatment option for diabetic patients. Nonetheless, increasing studies support the idea that DPP-IV might also be involved in the development of neurological disorders with a neuroinflammatory component, potentially through its non-incretin activities on immune cells. In this review article, we aim at highlighting recent literature describing the therapeutic value of DPP-IV inhibitors for the treatment of such neurological conditions. Finally, we will illustrate some of the promising results obtained using berberine, a plant extract with potent inhibitory activity on DPP-IV.

Keywords: alkaloids; berberine; diabetes; immune system; inflammation; insulin; neurodegeneration.

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Conflict of interest statement

None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Amino acid structure of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) cleavage site.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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