[Incretin enhancers, incretin mimetics: from therapeutic concept to clinical application]

The incretins are peptide hormones produced by special cell types of the intestines, which are secreted following ingestion of foods, indirectly, through a complex mechanism, by decreasing postprandial blood glucose levels participate in the regulation of the glucose homeostasis. The article beside of summarizing the physiological aspects of the two most important incretins, the glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotrope polypeptide (GIP), gives a detailed overview of multifaceted effects of GLP-1 and their potential application in the therapy of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The human GLP-1 because of its very short half-life is not suitable for therapeutic use. However, by inhibition its degradation, by suppression of activity of the serine peptidase type enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP) IV, its effect can be prolonged. Compounds with this effect have been synthetised, as well as drugs resistant to DPP IV, not being identical with the structure of the human GLP-1, but having agonist effect on its receptor could also be manufactured. Members of the first group are called incretin (GLP-1) enhancers, while of the second one incretin mimetics. Two of the enhancers, the sita- and vildagliptin, and one representative of the incretin mimetics, the exenatide after encouraging preclinical and human experiences have also been registered and introduced in the clinical practice. Their potential place in the treatment of type 2 diabetes is not exactly outlined at present. Though there are arguments underlining their early use in the glucose lowering drug treatment of type 2 diabetes, their application as part of a combination therapy seems to be a real indication.