glucagon-like peptide 1

Description

GLP-1 stimulates pancreatic β cells to secrete insulin as an incretin hormone. GLP-1 also has additional actions, including suppression of glucagon secretion, inhibition of gastric motility, and promotion of satiety. GLP-1 was first identified in the early 1980s, following the cloning of the proglucagon gene. The biological activity of GLP-1 was investigated initially by using the N-terminal extended forms of GLP-1(1–37 and 1–36 amide). However, these forms were devoid of biological activity. In the late 1980s, bioactive GLP-1 peptides were purified from gut extracts and were identified to be GLP-1(7–37) and GLP-1(7–36)-amide. In the current literature, the unqualified designation of GLP-1 corresponds to the truncated peptides.

Biological Functions

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin, a natural peptide hormone secreted in response to food intake. Incretins have multiple physiological effects to lower blood sugar, including the stimulation of insulin release and the inhibition of glucagon release following meals.

Clinical Use

GLP-1 enhances glucose-stimulated insulin release. GLP-1 agonists are resistant to degradation by DPP-4; thus these agonists are used clinically for the treatment of diabetes. DPP-4 inhibitors are also acceptable for use in diabetes patients because GLP-1 is rapidly deactivated by DPP-4.