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Updated: May 18, 2026

Modeling and Evaluation of Murine Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Model
Published on: November 29, 2024
Role of GLP-1 and DPP-4 in diabetic nephropathy and cardiovascular disease
Usha Panchapakesan1, Amanda Mather, Carol Pollock
1Renal Research Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Department of Medicine, The University of Sydney, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia.
Abstract:
Although there have been major advances in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms that contribute to the development of diabetic nephropathy, current best practice still leaves a significant treatment gap. The incidence of diabetes and associated nephropathy is increasing, with the main cause of mortality being related to cardiovascular causes. Novel therapies which are both 'cardio-renal'-protective seem the logical way forward. In the present review, we discuss the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists and DPP-4 (dipeptidyl peptidase-4) inhibitors (incretin-based therapies), which are novel antidiabetic agents used in clinical practice and their role in diabetic nephropathy with specific focus on renoprotection and surrogate markers of cardiovascular disease. We discuss the pleiotropic effects of the incretin-based therapies apart from glucose-lowering and highlight the non-GLP-1 effects of DPP (dipeptidyl peptidase) inhibition. Large-scale clinical studies with cardiovascular end points are underway; however, studies with renal end points are lacking but much needed.
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