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Glucagon‐like peptide 1(GLP‐1) in biology and pathology
Author(s) -
Meier Juris J.,
Nauck Michael A.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
diabetes/metabolism research and reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.307
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1520-7560
pISSN - 1520-7552
DOI - 10.1002/dmrr.538
Subject(s) - incretin , glucagon like peptide 1 , gastric emptying , in vivo , glucagon like peptide 2 , enteroendocrine cell , type 2 diabetes , appetite , biology , proglucagon , glucagon , endocrine system , endocrinology , medicine , insulin , hormone , diabetes mellitus , peptide , stomach , biochemistry , microbiology and biotechnology
Post‐translational proteolytic processing of the preproglucagon gene in the gut results in the formation of glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1). Owing to its glucose‐dependent insulinotropic effect, this hormone was postulated to primarily act as an incretin, i.e. to augment insulin secretion after oral glucose or meal ingestion. In addition, GLP‐1 decelerates gastric emptying and suppresses glucagon secretion. Under physiological conditions, GLP‐1 acts as a part of the ‘ileal brake’, meaning that is slows the transition of nutrients into the distal gut. Animal studies suggest a role for GLP‐1 in the development and growth of the endocrine pancreas. In light of its multiple actions throughout the body, different therapeutic applications of GLP‐1 are possible. Promising results have been obtained with GLP‐1 in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but its potential to reduce appetite and food intake may also allow its use for the treatment of obesity. While rapid in vivo degradation of GLP‐1 has yet prevented its broad clinical use, different pharmacological approaches aiming to extend the in vivo half‐life of GLP‐1 or to inhibit its inactivation are currently being evaluated. Therefore, antidiabetic treatment based on GLP‐1 may become available within the next years. This review will summarize the biological effects of GLP‐1, characterize its role in human biology and pathology, and discuss potential clinical applications as well as current clinical studies. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.