Cardiovascular effects of the DPP-4 inhibitors

Diab Vasc Dis Res. 2012 Apr;9(2):109-16. doi: 10.1177/1479164111436236. Epub 2012 Feb 15.

Abstract

Type 2 Diabetes continues to rise in prevalence throughout the globe, and cardiovascular diseases remain the most common cause of morbidity and mortality among patients. Dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are a newer class of oral anti-hyperglycemic agents whose effect is mediated through the incretin hormones, GLP-1 and GIP. In this review, we discuss the incretin system, DPP-4 inhibitors and their mechanism of action and, principally, the potential impact of DPP-4 inhibition on the cardiovascular system. Some pre-clinical data, small mechanistic studies and post-hoc analyses of randomized clinical trials suggest a possible beneficial effect on cardiovascular risk. However, the relationship between DPP-4 inhibition and actual cardiovascular outcomes remains unknown. We therefore also review ongoing large, randomized clinical trials examining this very question.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / chemically induced
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / mortality
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / drug therapy*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / enzymology
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / mortality
  • Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 / metabolism*
  • Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Humans
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors
  • DPP4 protein, human
  • Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4