DPP-4 inhibitors in the prevention/treatment of multi-organ injury
caused by COVID-19 - a therapeutic approach of choice in type 2 diabetic
patients?
Abstract
Since the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 virus more than 2 800 000 cases have
been reported worldwide. Patients suffering from diabetes and other
comorbidities are particularly susceptible to severe forms of the
COVID-19, which might result in chronic complications following
recovery. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors exert beneficial effects in
the prevention/treatment of pulmonary fibrosis, heart, and kidney
injury, and since they may be a long-term consequence caused by
COVID-19, it is reasonable to expect that DPP-4 inhibitors might be
beneficial in alleviating long-term consequences of COVID-19. With that
in mind, we would like to voice our concerns over chronic implications
following recovery from COVID-19 especially in diabetic, but also in
non-diabetic patients, and to indicate that some preventive measures
could be undertaken by application of DPP-4 inhibitors.