A review on α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of first row transition metal complexes: a futuristic strategy for treatment of type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by high blood glucose levels and has emerged as a controversial public health issue worldwide. The increasing number of patients with T2DM on one hand, and serious long-term complications of the disease such as obesity, neuropathy, and vascular disorders on the other hand, have induced a huge economic impact on society globally. In this regard, inhibition of alpha-glucosidase, the enzyme responsible for the hydrolysis of carbohydrates in the body has been the main therapeutic approach to the treatment of T2DM. As alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (alpha-GIs) have occupied a special position in the current research and prescription drugs are generally alpha-GIs, researchers have been encouraged to design and synthesize novel and efficient inhibitors. Previously, the presence of a sugar moiety seemed to be crucial for designing alpha-GIs since they can attach to the carbohydrate binding site of the enzyme mimicking the structure of disaccharides or oligosaccharides. However, inhibitors lacking glycosyl structures have also shown potent inhibitory activity and development of non-sugar based inhibitors is accelerating. In this respect, in vitro anti-alpha-glucosidase activity of metal complexes has attracted lots of attention and this paper has reviewed the inhibitory activity of first-row transition metal complexes toward alpha-glucosidase and discussed their probable mechanisms of action.

Automated summary

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a global public health issue, and inhibition of alpha-glucosidase is the main therapeutic approach. Development of non-sugar based inhibitors is gaining attention in addition to research on sugar-based inhibitors. Metal complexes' in vitro anti-alpha-glucosidase activity is attracting increasing attention.