Tackling dipeptidyl peptidase Ⅳ in neurological disorders

作者：Ghaith Al-Badri; Gian Marco Leggio; Giuseppe Musumeci; Rubina Marzagalli; Filippo Drago; Alessandro Castorina

来源：Neural Regeneration Research, 2018, 13(01): 26-34.

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.