Therapeutic strategies based on glucagon-like peptide 1.
Glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 is an incretin hormone with potent glucose-dependent insulinotropic and glucagonostatic actions, trophic effects on the pancreatic beta-cells, and inhibitory effects on gastrointestinal secretion and motility, which combine to lower plasma glucose and reduce glycemic excursions. Furthermore, via its ability to enhance satiety, GLP-1 reduces food intake, thereby limiting weight gain, and may even cause weight loss. Taken together, these actions give GLP-1 a unique profile, considered highly desirable for an antidiabetic agent, particularly since the glucose dependency of its antihyperglycemic effects should minimize any risk of severe hypoglycemia. However, its pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profile is such that native GLP-1 is not therapeutically useful. Thus, while GLP-1 is most effective when administered continuously, single subcutaneous injections have short-lasting effects. GLP-1 is highly susceptible to enzymatic degradation in vivo, and cleavage by dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) is probably the most relevant, since this occurs rapidly and generates a noninsulinotropic metabolite. Strategies for harnessing GLP-1's therapeutic potential, based on an understanding of factors influencing its metabolic stability and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profile, have therefore been the focus of intense research in both academia and the pharmaceutical industry. Such strategies include DPP-IV-resistant GLP-1 analogs and selective enzyme inhibitors to prevent in vivo degradation of the peptide.
Department of Medical Physiology, Panum Institute, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark. deacon@mfi.ku.dk
Carolyn F
CF
Deacon
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018819:Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 / Q000378:metabolism*; D005934:Glucagon / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D052216:Glucagon-Like Peptide 1; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D011498:Protein Precursors / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*
D010446:Peptide Fragments; D011498:Protein Precursors; D052216:Glucagon-Like Peptide 1; D005934:Glucagon; D018819:Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4