The DPP-4 Inhibitor Vildagliptin as Adjunct in Major Depressive Disorder Patients

Vildagliptin, an antidiabetic drug that inhibits the dipeptidyl peptidase- 4 (DPP-4), increases glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and regulates blood glucose levels, favoring weight loss and lowering cardiovascular risk. A retrospective longitudinal study by Rizzo et al. showed that DPP-4 inhibitors administration could have protective effects against cognitive decline in diabetic elderly. Is has been observed that GLP-1 affects brain metabolism, increases neuritic growth, and protects neuronal cells from oxidative stress and death.