Incretins today: multiple effects and therapeutic potential

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) are the incretin hormones initially discovered in the 1960s. GIP and GLP-1 have gained great scientific interest due to their properties in increasing insulin secretion and lowering blood glucose levels. The study of these incretin hormones has progressed substantially in recent decades, in that their systemic effects has begun to be actively discussed. In particular, incretins are involved in the pathogenesis of obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Moreover, incretins are able to improve cognitive function, suppress the formation of -amyloid plaques and provide an oncoprotective effect. Recent data show promising oncoprotective effect of GLP-1 agonists on prostate and breast cancer. This review provides systematisation of recent data on the role and mechanisms of action of incretin hormones on carbohydrate metabolism, as well as effects not related to glucose homeostasis, which contributes to a better understanding of potential vectors for the development of incretinotropic therapy. In addition, this review offers insight into pathogenic prerequisites and highlights the current issues in creating innovative polyagonists for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.