Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1)
Timo D. Müller, Brian Finan, Stephen R. Bloom, David A. D’Alessio, Daniel J. Drucker, Peter R. Flatt, Andreas Fritsche, Fiona M. Gribble, Harvey J. Grill, Joel F. Habener, Jens J. Holst, Wolfgang Langhans, Juris J. Meier, Michael A. Nauck, Diego Pérez–Tilve, Alessandro Pocai, Frank Reimann, Darleen A. Sandoval, Thue W. Schwartz, Randy J. Seeley, Kerstin Stemmer, Mads Tang‐Christensen, Stephen C. Woods, Richard D. DiMarchi, M. Tschöp
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a multifaceted hormone with broad pharmacological potential. Among the numerous metabolic effects of GLP-1 are the glucose-dependent stimulation of insulin secretion, decrease of gastric emptying, inhibition of food intake, increase of natriuresis and diuresis, and modulation of rodent β-cell proliferation. GLP-1 also has cardio- and neuroprotective effects, decreases inflammation and apoptosis, and has implications for learning and memory, reward behavior, and palatability. Biochemically modified for enhanced potency and sustained action, GLP-1 receptor agonists are successfully in clinical use for the treatment of type-2 diabetes, and several GLP-1-based pharmacotherapies are in clinical evaluation for the treatment of obesity. SCOPE OF REVIEW: In this review, we provide a detailed overview on the multifaceted nature of GLP-1 and its pharmacology and discuss its therapeutic implications on various diseases. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: Since its discovery, GLP-1 has emerged as a pleiotropic hormone with a myriad of metabolic functions that go well beyond its classical identification as an incretin hormone. The numerous beneficial effects of GLP-1 render this hormone an interesting candidate for the development of pharmacotherapies to treat obesity, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.