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

Abstract

Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) is a circulating glycoprotein that reduces uptake of insulin-stimulated glucose and is related to obesity and metabolic syndrome. However, the influence of exercise and nutritional plan on serum DPP-IV in children and adolescents with metabolic syndrome remains unclear. To judge serum activity of DPP-IV 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 children and adolescents with obesity. This study included 80 Egyptian individuals; 40 obese subjects (group Ι), and 40 healthy non-obese subjects (group ΙΙ) with matched age and sex. Serum DPP-IV activity, lipid panel, glucose, and insulin levels were quantified. 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 except HDL, and HOMA-IR were significantly suppressed after weight loss due to exercise and nutritional regimen. In obese patients at baseline, serum High BMI Z-score, W/H ratio, BAI, and serum triglycerides are the main actors in stimulating DPP-IV enzyme activity in obese patients by linear regression analysis, and they were positively correlated with DPP-IV enzyme activity. BMI z-score, W/H ratio, BAI, and serum triglycerides are closely associated with high serum DPP-IV enzyme activity in obese patients. The reduced DPP-IV enzyme activity after weight loss is paralleled by a significant modulation of HOMA-IR.