What role does dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) play in carbohydrate digestion?

Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) plays a crucial role in carbohydrate digestion by breaking down incretin hormones. Incretins, such as GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (gastric inhibitory peptide), are released in response to food intake and help regulate blood glucose levels by promoting insulin secretion from the pancreas and inhibiting glucagon release.

DPP-IV inactivates these incretin hormones, which leads to a reduction in their effectiveness. By breaking down incretins, DPP-IV modulates the insulin response after meals and affects the overall glycemic control. This enzymatic activity is particularly important in managing blood glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes, where incretin levels and action may be suboptimal.

Understanding the role of DPP-IV helps to clarify the significance of incretin-based therapies, which inhibit DPP-IV to prolong the action of incretin hormones, subsequently enhancing insulin secretion and reducing blood sugar levels after meals.