Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) is a multifunctional transmembrane glycoprotein removing X-Pro dipeptide from the amino-terminus of the peptide chain. This evolutionary conserved sequence protects a number of biologically active peptides against the unspecific proteolytic cleavage. DPP-IV belongs into the group of "Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV Activity and/or Structure Homologues" (DASH), which, except the canonical DPP-IV, comprises fibroblast activation protein-α/seprase (FAP), and several other molecules. However several of DASH molecules are the enzymes, they execute at least some of their biological functions by non-proteolytic protein-protein interactions. DASH molecules, their substrates and binding partners are parts of "DASH system" which is affected in several pathological process including a cancer. Specifically DPP-IV and its closest structural relative FAP are among others expected to be involved in the development and progression of malignant glioma. In this study we showed the expression and colocalization of DPP-IV and FAP in glioma cells in vitro and in human high grade gliomas. In addition to the DPP-IV/FAP double positive transformed glial cells, we also identified a subpopulation of FAP positive mesenchymal cells located in the perivascular compartment. Moreover we described the...

Malignant gliomas belong to a highly aggressive class of tumours. Average patient survival time generally does not exceed 15 months. Despite intensive research, no therapeutic strategies capable of significantly extending the lives of those affected by the disease have been established to date. One potentially viable area of research into possible therapeutic targets in cancer therapy focuses on cell surface proteases. This group of proteins includes dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV). Changes to DPP-IV expression have been established in the case of various cancer types including malignant gliomas. Understanding the role of DPP-IV in the biological processes of this malignant disease may thus contribute to the development of new therapeutic modalities. This thesis is therefore dedicated to establishing an orthotopic xenograft model as well as a genetically engineered model (GEM) of the glioma. The effects of DPP-IV on the growth of an experimental glioma were subsequently examined, as was the ratio of catalytic and non- catalytic mechanisms in this process. The GEM model was used for monitoring enzymatic activity and DPP-IV distribution. Non-invasive fluorescence imaging was employed in order to monitor the intraexperimental dynamics of experimental gliomas. The results indicated that DPP-IV...

Orientador: Stephen Hyslop / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-19T08:32:10Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Cardoso_KiaraCarolina_D.pdf: 27750375 bytes, checksum: a1ca027909bfd58421b986e75bfcd515 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011 / Resumo: O estudo do transcriptoma de bibliotecas de cDNA da glândula venenífera de serpentes, realizado a partir da análise de ESTs (expressed sequence tags), tem se mostrado útil na identificação de genes expressos neste tecido, inclusive no gênero Bothrops, responsável pela maioria dos acidentes ofídicos no Brasil. Neste trabalho utilizamos uma abordagem transcriptômica para analisar a composição gênica da glândula venenífera da serpente Bothrops alternatus, uma espécie encontrada no sudeste e sul do Brasil, Uruguai, norte da Argentina e leste do Paraguai. Também clonamos e caracterizamos parcialmente a enzima dipeptidilpeptidase IV (DPP IV), uma enzima que cliva peptídeos com prolina ou alanina na penúltima posição em sua porção N-terminal e que tem sido detectada em diversas peçonhas ofídicas. A construção de bibliotecas de cDNA usando métodos convencionais de clonagem, sequenciamento e análise bioinformática resultou em 5,350 ESTs que foram reunidas em 838 contigs and 4512 singletons. Pesquisas a partir de bancos de dados relevantes (BLAST) mostraram 30% de hits e 70% no-hits. Os transcritos relacionados a toxinas correspondem a 23% do total de transcritos e 78% dos hits, respectivamente. A análise por ontologia gênica (GO) detectou genes relacionados ao metabolismo geral, transcrição, tradução, processamento, degradação de polipeptídeos, funções estruturais, e regulação celular. Os principais grupos de toxinas identificados foram metaloproteinases (81%), peptídeos potenciadores da bradicinina/peptídeos natriuréticos do tipo C (8,8%), fosfolipases 'A IND. 2' ('PLA IND. 2'; 5,6%), serinoproteinases (1.9%) e lectinas do tipo C (1,5%). As metaloproteinases eram quase queexclusivamente da classe PIII, com poucas da classe PII e nenhuma da classe PI. As 'PLA IND. 2' eram todas ácidas; nenhuma 'PLA IND. 2' básica foi detectada. Outras toxinas encontradas incluíram a L-aminoácido oxidase, proteínas secretadas ricas em cisteína, DPP IV, hialuronidase, toxinas three-finger e ohanina. Foram identificadas duas proteínas não-tóxicas, a tioredoxina e a Dusp6 (fosfatase de dupla especificidade) que mostraram alto grau de similaridade a proteínas semelhantes de outras serpentes. Também foram observados polimorfismos de nucleotídeos únicos (SNPs - single-nucleotide polymorphisms), microssatélites, transposons e repetições invertidas, todos os quais podem contribuir de alguma forma para a multiplicidade de toxinas na glândula. Estes resultados mostram que a glândula venenífera de B. alternatus possui as principais classes de toxinas encontradas em estudos transcriptômicos e proteômicos de outras espécies botrópicas. ... Observação: O resumo, na íntegra, poderá ser visualizado no texto completo da tese digital / Abstract: Transcriptomic studies of snake venom gland cDNA based on the analysis of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) have been useful in identifying the genes expressed in this organ in a variety of species, including the genus Bothrops, which is responsible for most venomous snakebites in Brazil. In this work, we used a transcriptomic approach to analyze the gene composition of the venom gland of Bothrops alternatus (urutu), a species found in southeastern and southern Brazil, Uruguay, northern Argentina e eastern Paraguay. We also cloned and partially characterized dipeptidylpeptidase IV (DPP IV), an enzyme that cleaves peptides with proline or alanine as the penultimate residue in the N-terminal region and has been identified in several snake venoms. A cDNA library constructed using conventional methods of cloning, sequencing and bioinformatic analysis yielded 5,350 ESTs that formed 838 contigs and 4512 singletons. Databank BLAST searches yielded 30% hits and 70% no-hits. Toxin-related transcripts accounted for 23% of the total transcripts and 78% of the hits. Gene ontology analysis detected genes related to general metabolism, transcription, translation, processing, polypeptide degradation, structural functions and cellular regulation. The main toxin groups identified were metalloproteinases (81%), bradykinin-potentiating peptides/C-type natriuretic peptides (8.8%), phospholipases 'A IND. 2' ('PLA IND. 2'; 5.6%), serine proteinases (1.9%) and C-type lectins (1.5%). Metalloproteinases were almost exclusively class PIII, with few class PII and no class PI enzymes. The 'PLA IND. 2' were all acidic; no basic 'PLA IND. 2' were detected. Other toxins identified included L-amino acid oxidase, cysteine-rich secretory proteins, DPP IV, hyaluronidase, three-finger toxins and ohanin. Two non-toxic proteins, thioredoxin and a dual specificity phosphatase (Dusp6), shared high sequence homology with similar proteins from other snakes. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), microsatellites, transposons and inverted repeats were also observed and may contribute to the toxin diversity of the gland. These results show that the venom gland of B. alternatus contains the major toxin classes identified in transcriptomic and proteomic studies of other Bothrops species. The predominance of class PIII metalloproteinases agrees with the hemorrhagic activity of this venom, while the low content of serine proteinases and C-type lectins could account for the less intense coagulopathy observed after envenoming by this species. The lack of basic 'PLA IND. 2' agrees with the lower myotoxicity of this venom compared to other Bothrops species. ... Note: The complete abstract is available with the full electronic digital thesis or dissertations / Doutorado / Farmacologia / Doutor em Farmacologia

Preparation of contructs for transgenic expression of DPP-IV and FAP Bc. Dalibor Košek Abstract: DASH (Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV Activity and/or Structure Homologues) protein group involves multi-funcional molecules typically bearing enzymatic activity similar to the Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV, EC 3.4.14.5, identical with lymphocyte differentiation antigen CD26). In general, they cleave multiple regulatory as well as structural peptides and proteins, possessing proline residue on the penultimate position from the N-terminus. We focused on two members of this group: canonical DPP-IV and Fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP-α). Both are typically type II plasma membrane proteins with specific tissue distribution. Soluble extrecellular forms have also been identified. Available knowledge suggest important roles of these proteins in oncogenesis, executed by their enzymatic activity but also by non-proteolytic interactions. To study their role in gliomagenesis we designed several experimental models exploiting astrocytoma cell lines with defined DPP-IV or FAP-α phenotype. Enzymatically inactive forms and analogues with different subcellular distribution will also be included. These models will allow to assess the impact of DPP-IV and FAP-α on the glial tumor development and the importance of their...

Malignant gliomas belong to a highly aggressive class of tumours. Average patient survival time generally does not exceed 15 months. Despite intensive research, no therapeutic strategies capable of significantly extending the lives of those affected by the disease have been established to date. One potentially viable area of research into possible therapeutic targets in cancer therapy focuses on cell surface proteases. This group of proteins includes dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV). Changes to DPP-IV expression have been established in the case of various cancer types including malignant gliomas. Understanding the role of DPP-IV in the biological processes of this malignant disease may thus contribute to the development of new therapeutic modalities. This thesis is therefore dedicated to establishing an orthotopic xenograft model as well as a genetically engineered model (GEM) of the glioma. The effects of DPP-IV on the growth of an experimental glioma were subsequently examined, as was the ratio of catalytic and non- catalytic mechanisms in this process. The GEM model was used for monitoring enzymatic activity and DPP-IV distribution. Non-invasive fluorescence imaging was employed in order to monitor the intraexperimental dynamics of experimental gliomas. The results indicated that DPP-IV...

Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) is a multifunctional transmembrane glycoprotein removing X-Pro dipeptide from the amino-terminus of the peptide chain. This evolutionary conserved sequence protects a number of biologically active peptides against the unspecific proteolytic cleavage. DPP-IV belongs into the group of "Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV Activity and/or Structure Homologues" (DASH), which, except the canonical DPP-IV, comprises fibroblast activation protein-α/seprase (FAP), and several other molecules. However several of DASH molecules are the enzymes, they execute at least some of their biological functions by non-proteolytic protein-protein interactions. DASH molecules, their substrates and binding partners are parts of "DASH system" which is affected in several pathological process including a cancer. Specifically DPP-IV and its closest structural relative FAP are among others expected to be involved in the development and progression of malignant glioma. In this study we showed the expression and colocalization of DPP-IV and FAP in glioma cells in vitro and in human high grade gliomas. In addition to the DPP-IV/FAP double positive transformed glial cells, we also identified a subpopulation of FAP positive mesenchymal cells located in the perivascular compartment. Moreover we described the...

Fermentation and roasting of cocoa (Theobroma cacao) decrease levels of polyphenolic flavanol compounds. However, it is largely unknown how these changes in polyphenol levels caused by processing affect cocoa's anti-diabetic and anti-obesity bioactivities, such as inhibition of certain enzymes in the body. Polyphenol profiles, protein-binding abilities, presence of compounds termed oxidative polymers, and abilities to inhibit α-glucosidase, pancreatic α-amylase, lipase, and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP4) in vitro were compared between unfermented bean (UB), fermented bean (FB), unfermented liquor (UL), and fermented liquor (FL) cocoa extracts. Overall, there were significant decreases (p<0.05) in total polyphenols, flavanols, and anthocyanins between the two sets of unfermented and fermented cocoa extracts (CEs). All CEs effectively inhibited α-glucosidase (lowest IC50 = 90.0 ug/mL for UL) and moderately inhibited α-amylase (lowest IC50=183 ug/mL for FL), lipase (lowest IC25=65.5 ug/mL for FB), and DPP4 (lowest IC25=1585 ug/mL for FB) in dose-dependent manners. Fermentation and roasting of the samples affected inhibition of each enzyme differently (both processes enhanced α-amylase inhibition). Improved α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitions were correlated with presence of different classifications of oxidative polymers, suggesting that these compounds could be contributing to the bioactivities observed. Some α-glucosidase inhibition might be due to non-specific protein-binding. Improved DPP4 inhibition was strongly correlated to increased CE degree of polymerization. In conclusion, potential enzyme inhibition activities of cocoa were not necessarily negatively affected by the large polyphenol losses that occur during fermentation and roasting. Additionally, it is possible that more complex compounds could be present in cocoa that contribute to its potential anti-diabetic and anti-obesity bioactivities. / Master of Science in Life Sciences

L’incidence de l’hypertension et du diabète de type II (DT2) augmente à travers le monde. Les interventions diététiques sont une des voies les plus efficaces pour contrôler ou prévenir l’hypertension et le DT2. Des aliments qui fournissent non seulement tous les nutriments nécessaires au corps humain, mais aussi des inhibiteurs contre l’enzyme de conversion de l’angiotensine (ACE) et la dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) pourraient offrir une nouvelle alternative pour contrôler ou prévenir ces maladies. Le babeurre, le lait, les protéines de lactosérum et les protéines de blanc d’œuf sont connues pour contenir des inhibiteurs de l’ACE et de la DPP-4. Dans cette étude, plusieurs laits fermentés ont été produits par fermentation de ces milieux riches en protéines dans des conditions communément utilisées en industrie pour fabriquer les yogourts. Les produits fermentés obtenus ont ensuite été digérés dans un système digestif in vitro. Les extraits solubles obtenus ont été criblés contre les enzymes ACE et DPP-4. Les résultats montrent que la fermentation seule est rarement suffisante pour la production d’inhibiteurs de l’ACE et de la DPP-4. L’étape de digestion est nécessaire pour libérer ces inhibiteurs. Les analyses de spectrométrie de masse ont permis d’identifier 4 inhibiteurs de la DPP-4 et 9 de l’ACE dont 5 sont connus pour être bioactifs chez le rat. Cette étude préliminaire montre que des laits fermentés non conventionnels à base de babeurre, de concentrés protéiques de lactosérum et de protéines de blanc d’oeuf seraient une source potentielle d’inhibiteurs de l’ACE et de la DPP-4. / Incidence of hypertension and Type II diabetes (T2D) is increasing world wide. Dietetic intervention is one of the most effective way to prevent and control hypertension and T2D. Food that non-only provide all necessary nutriments but also provide ACE and DPP-4 inhibitors could offer a new health tool to prevent or control hypertension and T2D. Buttermilk, milk, whey proteins and white eggs proteins are known to possess ACE and DPP-4 inhibitors. In this regard, several fermented milks were produced using industrial starters and conditions. The products were then digested in a 2-steps in vitro digestive model. The resulting soluble extracts were screened against ACE and DPP-4 enzymes. Results showed that fermentation only did not produce ACE and DPP-4 inhibitors while the digestive process is required to release these inhibitors. Mass spectroscopy analysis of allowed the identification of 4 DPP-4 inhibitors and 9 ACE which 5 of them are known to be bioactive. This work provides the basis to produce fermented milks with ACE and DPP-4 inhibitors. Further analysis will be required to confirm if these yoghurts can improve blood pressure and glycemic response in humans.

Dados recentes do nosso laboratório sugerem que a enzima dipeptidil peptidase IV (DPPIV), uma serino-protease que pode ser encontrada ancorada na membrana celular de diversos tipos celulares ou na forma solúvel no plasma, possui um papel importante na fisiopatologia da insuficiência cardíaca (IC). Mais especificamente, demonstramos que a atividade da DPPIV circulante está associada com piores desfechos cardiovasculares em modelo experimental e pacientes com IC. Ademais, observamos que a inibição crônica da DPPIV atenua o desenvolvimento e/ou a progressão da IC em ratos submetidos à injúria do miocárdio. Entretanto, não é sabido se a inibição desta peptidase é capaz de reverter a disfunção cardiorrenal em ratos com IC estabelecida. Assim, este trabalho teve como objetivo testar a hipótese que a inibição da DPPIV exerce efeitos terapêuticos em ratos com IC. Para tal, ratos com IC foram tratados diariamente com o inibidor da DPPIV Vildagliptina (80 ou 120 mg/kg/dia) ou veículo (HF) durante quatro semanas. Ratos Sham não-tratados foram utilizados como controle. Análises ecocardiográficas demonstraram que ratos HF exibiram área fracional (FAC) menor e tempo de relaxamento isovolumétrico (TRIV) maior que ratos Sham. Por sua vez, o tratamento com a dose maior de Vildagliptina foi capaz de aumentar a FAC e diminuir o TRIV. Esta melhora funcional foi acompanhada por melhoras estruturais, visto que a inibição da DPPIV foi capaz de reduzir a hipertrofia cardíaca e a deposição de colágeno intersticial no miocárdio remanescente de ratos tratados com Vildagliptina em comparação aos ratos HF. Adicionalmente, ratos com IC exibiram maior teor de água nos pulmões, menor excreção urinária de sódio, menor fluxo urinário e menor ritmo de filtração glomerular em comparação ao grupo Sham. Por sua vez, o manuseio renal de sal e água foi completamente restaurado pelo tratamento crônico com 120 mg/kg/dia Vildagliptina. A normalização da função renal induzida pela inibição crônica da DPPIV foi associada com um aumento da expressão do receptor do peptídeo-1 semelhante ao glucagon (GLP-1) e maior ativação da proteína cinase A em córtex renal, isto é, da via de sinalização deflagrada pela ligação GLP-1/GLP-1R. Além disso, os níveis pós-prandiais do GLP-1, principal substrato da DPPIV que exerce ações insulinotrópicas, cardio e renoprotetoras, estavam mais baixos em ratos HF que em ratos Sham. Esta diminuição dos níveis circulantes de GLP-1 (ativo e total) em ratos HF foi acompanhada de intolerância à glicose bem como de maiores níveis plasmáticos de insulina. A inibição da DPPIV com Vildagliptina melhorou a biodisponibilidade e a secreção de GLP-1 após carga oral de glicose. Em conjunto, estes resultados sugerem que a inibição da DPPIV melhora a função cardiorrenal e metabólica de ratos com IC. Além disso, a secreção e a biodisponibilidade do GLP-1 encontram-se prejudicadas em ratos com IC e o tratamento com Vildagliptina é capaz de restaurar a sinalização mediada por este peptídeo. Assim, os inibidores da DPPIV podem ser eficazes não apenas para a prevenção, mas também para o tratamento da insuficiência cardíaca em ratos / Recent data from our laboratory suggest that the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV), a serine protease that can be found anchored in the cell membrane of different cell types or in the soluble form in plasma, plays an important role in the pathophysiology of heart failure (HF). More specifically, we have demonstrated that the activity of circulating DPPIV is associated with poorer cardiovascular outcomes in an experimental model and patients with HF. In addition, we have found that chronic inhibition of DPPIV attenuates the development and/or progression of HF in rats with myocardial injury. However, it is unknown whether the inhibition of this peptidase is able to reverse the cardiorenal dysfunction in rats with established HF. Therefore, this study aimed to test the hypothesis that inhibition of DPPIV exerts therapeutic effects in rats with HF. To this end, HF rats were treated daily with the DPPIV inhibitor vildagliptin (80 or 120 mg/kg/day) or vehicle (HF) for four weeks. Untreated Sham rats were used as controls. Echocardiographic analysis demonstrated that HF rats exhibit lower fractional area change (FAC) and higher isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) than Sham rats. On the other hand, treatment with the highest dose of vildagliptin was able to increase FAC and decrease IVRT. These functional improvements were accompanied by structural improvements, since inhibition of DPPIV was also able to reduce cardiac hypertrophy and interstitial collagen deposition in the remaining myocardium of rats treated with vildagliptin rats compared to HF. In addition, HF rats exhibited higher water content in the lungs, lower urinary sodium excretion, lower urinary flow and lower glomerular filtration rate compared to the Sham group. In turn, the renal handling of salt and water was completely restored by chronic treatment with vildagliptin 120 mg/kg/day. Normalization of the renal function induced by chronic inhibition of DPPIV was associated with an increase in the expression of the glucagon like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and enhanced protein kinase A activation in the renal cortex, the signaling pathway triggered by bind between GLP-1/GLP-1R. In addition, the postprandial levels of GLP-1, the main substrate of DPPIV that exerts insulinotropic, cardio and renoprotective actions, were lower in HF rats than in Sham. This decrease in circulating levels of GLP-1 (active and total) in HF rats was accompanied by impaired glucose tolerance and higher plasma insulin levels. The inhibition of the DPPIV with vildagliptin improved the bioavailability and secretion after an oral glucose load. Taken together, these results suggest that the inhibition of DPPIV ameliorates the cardiorenal and metabolic function of rats with HF. Furthermore, bioavailability and secretion of GLP-1 are impaired in HF rats and vildagliptin is able to restore the signaling mediated by this peptide. Therefore, DPPIV inhibitors can be effective not only in preventing but also for the treatment of HF in rats

Dados recentes do nosso laboratório sugerem que a enzima dipeptidil peptidase IV (DPPIV), uma serino-protease que pode ser encontrada ancorada na membrana celular de diversos tipos celulares ou na forma solúvel no plasma, possui um papel importante na fisiopatologia da insuficiência cardíaca (IC). Mais especificamente, demonstramos que a atividade da DPPIV circulante está associada com piores desfechos cardiovasculares em modelo experimental e pacientes com IC. Ademais, observamos que a inibição crônica da DPPIV atenua o desenvolvimento e/ou a progressão da IC em ratos submetidos à injúria do miocárdio. Entretanto, não é sabido se a inibição desta peptidase é capaz de reverter a disfunção cardiorrenal em ratos com IC estabelecida. Assim, este trabalho teve como objetivo testar a hipótese que a inibição da DPPIV exerce efeitos terapêuticos em ratos com IC. Para tal, ratos com IC foram tratados diariamente com o inibidor da DPPIV Vildagliptina (80 ou 120 mg/kg/dia) ou veículo (HF) durante quatro semanas. Ratos Sham não-tratados foram utilizados como controle. Análises ecocardiográficas demonstraram que ratos HF exibiram área fracional (FAC) menor e tempo de relaxamento isovolumétrico (TRIV) maior que ratos Sham. Por sua vez, o tratamento com a dose maior de Vildagliptina foi capaz de aumentar a FAC e diminuir o TRIV. Esta melhora funcional foi acompanhada por melhoras estruturais, visto que a inibição da DPPIV foi capaz de reduzir a hipertrofia cardíaca e a deposição de colágeno intersticial no miocárdio remanescente de ratos tratados com Vildagliptina em comparação aos ratos HF. Adicionalmente, ratos com IC exibiram maior teor de água nos pulmões, menor excreção urinária de sódio, menor fluxo urinário e menor ritmo de filtração glomerular em comparação ao grupo Sham. Por sua vez, o manuseio renal de sal e água foi completamente restaurado pelo tratamento crônico com 120 mg/kg/dia Vildagliptina. A normalização da função renal induzida pela inibição crônica da DPPIV foi associada com um aumento da expressão do receptor do peptídeo-1 semelhante ao glucagon (GLP-1) e maior ativação da proteína cinase A em córtex renal, isto é, da via de sinalização deflagrada pela ligação GLP-1/GLP-1R. Além disso, os níveis pós-prandiais do GLP-1, principal substrato da DPPIV que exerce ações insulinotrópicas, cardio e renoprotetoras, estavam mais baixos em ratos HF que em ratos Sham. Esta diminuição dos níveis circulantes de GLP-1 (ativo e total) em ratos HF foi acompanhada de intolerância à glicose bem como de maiores níveis plasmáticos de insulina. A inibição da DPPIV com Vildagliptina melhorou a biodisponibilidade e a secreção de GLP-1 após carga oral de glicose. Em conjunto, estes resultados sugerem que a inibição da DPPIV melhora a função cardiorrenal e metabólica de ratos com IC. Além disso, a secreção e a biodisponibilidade do GLP-1 encontram-se prejudicadas em ratos com IC e o tratamento com Vildagliptina é capaz de restaurar a sinalização mediada por este peptídeo. Assim, os inibidores da DPPIV podem ser eficazes não apenas para a prevenção, mas também para o tratamento da insuficiência cardíaca em ratos / Recent data from our laboratory suggest that the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV), a serine protease that can be found anchored in the cell membrane of different cell types or in the soluble form in plasma, plays an important role in the pathophysiology of heart failure (HF). More specifically, we have demonstrated that the activity of circulating DPPIV is associated with poorer cardiovascular outcomes in an experimental model and patients with HF. In addition, we have found that chronic inhibition of DPPIV attenuates the development and/or progression of HF in rats with myocardial injury. However, it is unknown whether the inhibition of this peptidase is able to reverse the cardiorenal dysfunction in rats with established HF. Therefore, this study aimed to test the hypothesis that inhibition of DPPIV exerts therapeutic effects in rats with HF. To this end, HF rats were treated daily with the DPPIV inhibitor vildagliptin (80 or 120 mg/kg/day) or vehicle (HF) for four weeks. Untreated Sham rats were used as controls. Echocardiographic analysis demonstrated that HF rats exhibit lower fractional area change (FAC) and higher isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) than Sham rats. On the other hand, treatment with the highest dose of vildagliptin was able to increase FAC and decrease IVRT. These functional improvements were accompanied by structural improvements, since inhibition of DPPIV was also able to reduce cardiac hypertrophy and interstitial collagen deposition in the remaining myocardium of rats treated with vildagliptin rats compared to HF. In addition, HF rats exhibited higher water content in the lungs, lower urinary sodium excretion, lower urinary flow and lower glomerular filtration rate compared to the Sham group. In turn, the renal handling of salt and water was completely restored by chronic treatment with vildagliptin 120 mg/kg/day. Normalization of the renal function induced by chronic inhibition of DPPIV was associated with an increase in the expression of the glucagon like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and enhanced protein kinase A activation in the renal cortex, the signaling pathway triggered by bind between GLP-1/GLP-1R. In addition, the postprandial levels of GLP-1, the main substrate of DPPIV that exerts insulinotropic, cardio and renoprotective actions, were lower in HF rats than in Sham. This decrease in circulating levels of GLP-1 (active and total) in HF rats was accompanied by impaired glucose tolerance and higher plasma insulin levels. The inhibition of the DPPIV with vildagliptin improved the bioavailability and secretion after an oral glucose load. Taken together, these results suggest that the inhibition of DPPIV ameliorates the cardiorenal and metabolic function of rats with HF. Furthermore, bioavailability and secretion of GLP-1 are impaired in HF rats and vildagliptin is able to restore the signaling mediated by this peptide. Therefore, DPPIV inhibitors can be effective not only in preventing but also for the treatment of HF in rats