Glucagon-related peptide 1 (GLP-1): hormone and neurotransmitter.
The interest in glucagon-like petide-1 (GLP-1) and other pre-proglucagon derived peptides has risen almost exponentially since seminal papers in the early 1990s proposed to use GLP-1 agonists as therapeutic agents for treatment of type 2 diabetes. A wealth of interesting studies covering both normal and pathophysiological role of GLP-1 have been published over the last two decades and our understanding of GLP-1 action has widened considerably. In the present review, we have tried to cover our current understanding of GLP-1 actions both as a peripheral hormone and as a central neurotransmitter. From an initial focus on glycaemic control, GLP-1 research has been diverted to study its role in energy homeostasis, neurodegeneration, cognitive functions, anxiety and many more functions. With the upcoming introduction of GLP-1 agonists on the pharmaceutical venue, we have witnessed an outstanding example of how initial ideas from basic science laboratories have paved their way to become a novel therapeutic strategy to fight diabetes.
Larsen
Philip J
PJ
Rheoscience A/S, The Panum Insitute, University of Copenhagen, Glerupvej 2, 2610 Rødovre, Denmark. pjl@Rheoscience.com
Holst
Jens Juul
JJ
D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy; D005768:Gastrointestinal Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005934:Glucagon / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D052216:Glucagon-Like Peptide 1; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D052336:Proglucagon; D011498:Protein Precursors / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D005768:Gastrointestinal Hormones; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D011498:Protein Precursors; D052336:Proglucagon; D052216:Glucagon-Like Peptide 1; D005934:Glucagon