Dipeptidylpeptidase-4 inhibitors in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Possibilities of cardioprotection

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a disease in which traditional therapeutic strategies, such as optimization of the lifestyle, intake of metformin and sulfonylureasor glitazone prove secondarily inefficient in the short run. The discovery and use of new hypoglycemic agents, e.g. DPP-4 inhibitors, openup opportunities for the further improvement of glycemic control. This review contains data on mechanisms of action, efficacy and safety of DPP-4inhibitors exemplified by sitagliptin and their possible effects on the cardiovascular system