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.