title: [Glucagon like peptide-1 and the cardiovascular system: pathophysiological mechanisms].
abstract: The glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone of 31 amino acids synthesized by L cells of ileum and colon in response to the meal. Once secreted, it is rapidly inactivated by enzymes called dipeptidyl dipeptidase 4. The main actions are: 1) the stimulation of insulin secretion; 2) the inhibition of glucagon secretion; 3) the delay of the gastric emptying time; 4) the stimulation of neogenesis of insulin-secreting cells. Patients with type 2 diabetes have a low concentration of GLP-1 in response to the meal and for this reason treatment with incretin mimetic drugs is specifically indicated in these patients. In addition to these important effects on intermediary metabolism, GLP-1 has important actions at the level of other organ systems, such as the cardiovascular system. GLP-1 receptor agonists are able to reduce blood pressure, improve endothelial function, increase myocardial contractility. These effects will be discussed in detail in this article.
authors.affiliation: Cattedra di Malattie del Metabolismo, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università degli Studi, Padova. angelo.avogaro@unipd.it
authors.forename: Angelo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Avogaro
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002320:Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D052216:Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 / Q000502:physiology*; D006321:Heart / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D052216:Glucagon-Like Peptide 1