Prolyl oligopeptidase (POP), also called prolyl endopeptidase, is a cytosolic enzyme investigated by several research groups. It has been proposed to play an important role in physiological processes such as modulation of the levels of several neuronal peptides and hormones containing a proline residue. Due to its proteolytic activity and physiological role in cell signaling pathways, inhibition of POP offers an emerging approach for the treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases as well as other diseases related to cognitive impairment. Furthermore, it may also represent an interesting target for treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, and as an antiangiogenesis or antineoplastic agent. In this review paper, we summarized naturally occurring POP inhibitors together with peptide-like inhibitors and their biological effects. Some of them have shown promising results and interesting pharmacological profiles. However, to date, there is no POP inhibitor available on the market although several clinical trials have been undertaken.

Biomedical Research Centre University Hospital Hradec Kralove Sokolska 581 500 05 Hradec Kralove Czech Republic

Department of Chemistry Faculty of Science University of Hradec Kralove 500 02 Hradec Kralove Czech Republic

Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy Faculty of Military Health Sciences University of Defence Trebesska 1575 500 01 Hradec Kralove Czech Republic

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