Potential of Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 as a Regulator of Impaired Cholesterol Metabolism in the Brain

Cerebral vascular diseases are the most common high-mortality diseases worldwide. Their onset and development are associated with glycemic imbalance, genetic background, alteration of atherosclerotic factors, severe inflammation, and abnormal cholesterol metabolism. Recently, the gut-brain axis has been highlighted as the key to the solution for cerebral vessel dysfunction in view of cholesterol metabolism and systemic lipid circulation. In particular, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a cardinal hormone that regulates blood vessel function and cholesterol homeostasis and acts as a critical messenger between the brain and gut. GLP-1 plays a systemic regulatory role in cholesterol homeostasis and blood vessel function in various organs through blood vessels. Even though GLP-1 has potential in the treatment and prevention of cerebral vascular diseases, the importance of and relation between GLP-1 and cerebral vascular diseases are not fully understood. Herein, we review recent findings on the functions of GLP-1 in cerebral blood vessels in association with cholesterol metabolism.