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Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4

Meaning

An enzyme, often abbreviated as DPP-4, that is widely expressed on the surface of many cell types, including endothelial and immune cells, and also circulates freely in the plasma. Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 plays a critical regulatory role in glucose metabolism by rapidly inactivating the crucial incretin hormones, specifically Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) and Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide (GIP). Its enzymatic activity is a primary pharmacological target for a class of therapeutic agents used in the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.