JOURNAL OF PRACTICAL HEPATOLOGY ›› 2016, Vol. 19 ›› Issue (5): 637-640.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-5069.2016.05.035

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What roles does dipeptidyl peptidase-4 play in chronic liver diseases?

Zhang Tingting, Wang Xuan.   

  1. Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism Diseases,302nd Hospital,Beijing 100038,China
  • Received:2016-04-01 Online:2016-09-10 Published:2016-10-12
  • Contact: Corresponding author:Wang Bingyuan,E-mail:cmu1hfnswby@126.com

Abstract: Dipeptidyl peptidase-4(DPP-4) is a membrane-associated peptidase, also known as CD26. DPP-4 has widespread organ distribution throughout the body and has pleiotropic effects. A representative target peptide is glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1),and inactivation of GLP-1 results in the development of glucose intolerance/diabetes mellitus. In addition to its peptidase activity,DPP-4 is associated with immune stimulation, binding to and degradation of extracellular matrix,resistance to anti-cancer agents,and lipid accumulation. The liver expresses DPP-4 to a higher degree,and recent studies suggest that DPP-4 is involved in the development of various chronic liver diseases such as hepatitis C virus infection,non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,and hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore,hepatic stem cells express DPP-4,which might plays a crucial role in hepatic regeneration. In this paper,we reviewed the tissue distribution and various biological effects of DPP-4. The impact of DPP-4 in chronic liver disease and the possible therapeutic effects of a DPP-4 inhibitor were also discussed.

Key words: Viral hepatitis, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Dipeptidyl peptidase-4, Incretin, Insulin resistance