What is DPP 4?

DPP 4 is a short name of the enzyme known as dipeptidyl peptidase 4. Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 decomposes two intestinal hormones known as incretions. The incretins are made in the intestine when food is consumed and stimulates insulin secretion, reducing blood glucose levels. There is not enough insulin in diseases known as type 2 diabetes or is less effective and blood glucose levels increase. Diabetes 2 drugs have been developed. The type of type 2 that inhibits DPP 4, which prevents the disintegration of incretin and prolonged insulin secretion, which increases its effect. Sometimes it is referred to as peptidase peptidase IV (DPP IV). Part of the protein structure known as the CD26 is identical to the dipeptidylpeptidase 4. CD26 is found in the membranes of many different cells, including T cells in the immune system that can help activate. DPP 4 part of the molecule protrudes on the outside of the cell.

CD26 is also found in the core of some cancer cells and PIt is said that it plays a role in the development and growth of certain tumors. In some cases, the opposite occurs and decreased CD26 and DPP 4 is associated with cancer progress. Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 is observed in reduced amounts of melanomas where it can act as a tumor suppressor. Future research could lead to cancer treatment that focuses on CD26 and its DPP 4 enzyme. In some cancers, the blood levels of CD26 may indicate tumor behavior and prognosis, which is more accurate than other cancer markers.

Inside the human intestine, DPP 4, the incretions known as the glucagonian peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose dependent on insulin releasing polypeptide (GIP). Normally, both hormones stimulate insulin release, but GLP-1 secretion is significantly reduced in type 2 diabetes. In addition to supporting GLP-1 insulin, it slows down stomach emptying, reduces appetite and prevents hormonal glucagon to increase blood sugar levels. These useful effects along with an increase in insulin secretion may bet increased drugs that inhibit DPP 4 and prevent GLP-1. Dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitors have the advantage over many diabetes drugs in that they do not cause weight gain, and are used as a second line of treatment after the main drug diabetes, metformin.