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Updated: May 11, 2026

Homogeneous Time-resolved Förster Resonance Energy Transfer-based Assay for Detection of Insulin Secretion
Published on: May 10, 2018
Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors: multitarget drugs, not only antidiabetes drugs
Yunjuan Zhao1, Lin Yang, Zhiguang Zhou
1Diabetes Center, Institute of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital and Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, China.
Abstract:
Dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitors are a new class of antidiabetic agents that reduce blood glucose by preventing the degradation of the endogenous incretin hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide. Protection by DPP-4 inhibitors of β-cell function has been demonstrated in patients with type 2 diabetes. Because DPP-4 is an enzyme widely expressed in humans, DPP-4 inhibitors are speculated to be multitarget agents. However, other potential therapeutic benefits of DPP-4 inhibitors remain unknown. Recently, some therapeutic effects of DPP-4 inhibitors, such as immune regulation, cardiovascular protection, and anti-inflammatory effects, have been observed. This article provides a systematic and comprehensive review of current research into the newly found effects and mechanism of action of DPP-4 inhibitors in a therapeutic context.
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