Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV: A Target for Improving Metabolic Syndrome Components in Obese Children and Adolescents

Background/Aim: Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) is a circulating glycoprotein that impairs insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and is linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome. However, the influence of exercise and nutritional regimen on serum DPP-IV in children and adolescents with metabolic syndrome is still unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate serum DPP-IV activity in obese children and adolescents with and without metabolic syndrome, and to assess the impact of exercise, and nutritional regimen on serum DPP-IV activity, metabolic syndrome components, and insulin resistance issue in obese children and adolescents.

Materials and Methods: This study included 80 Egyptian individuals; 40 obese subjects (group Ι), and 40 healthy non-obese subjects (group ΙΙ) with matched age and sex matched. Serum DPP-IV activity, lipid panel, glucose, insulin levels were quantified.

Results: Serum DPP-IV enzyme activity of obese patients with MS revealed significant elevation than those who did not have MS, and control counterparts (P < 0.001). The serum DPP-IV enzyme activity, lipid panel, and HOMA-IR were significantly suppressed after weight loss due to exercise and nutritional regimen. In obese patients at baseline, serum DPP-IV enzyme activity displayed positively correlated with BMI for age percentile, and z-score, waist: hip ratio, body adiposity index and serum levels of triglycerides, and HOMA-IR. High BMI z-score, waist: hip ratio, body adiposity index, and serum triglycerides are the main actors in stimulating DPP-IV enzyme activity in obese patients by linear regression analysis.

Conclusion: The decreased DPP-IV enzyme activity after weight loss is paralleled by a significant modulation of HOMA-IR. BMI z-score, waist: hip ratio, body adiposity index, and serum triglycerides are closely associated with to high serum DPP-IV enzyme activity in obese patients.