Peptide Profile: GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1)

GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, is an incretin hormone and peptide derived from the proglucagon gene. It is primarily secreted by intestinal L-cells in response to nutrient intake, playing a critical role in glucose metabolism and energy balance. GLP-1 has become a cornerstone in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity due to its multifaceted physiological effects.

Key Components and Mechanism:

  • Structure: GLP-1 is a 30-amino-acid peptide with an active form that binds to the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R), a G-protein-coupled receptor widely expressed in pancreatic, brain, and gut tissues.
  • Mechanism of Action: Upon activation of GLP-1R, the peptide stimulates insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, and slows gastric emptying. It also impacts appetite regulation by acting on the hypothalamus, promoting satiety.

Applications:

  • Type 2 Diabetes Management: Enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion while suppressing glucagon, aiding in blood sugar control without the risk of severe hypoglycemia.
  • Weight Management: Reduces appetite and delays gastric emptying, contributing to weight loss in individuals with obesity or metabolic syndrome.
  • Cardiovascular Benefits: Research indicates that GLP-1 analogs may lower cardiovascular risk by improving lipid profiles, reducing inflammation, and promoting endothelial health.

Benefits and Considerations:

GLP-1 therapies, such as semaglutide and liraglutide, are widely used as injectable or oral medications. They are generally well-tolerated, though potential side effects include nausea, vomiting, or gastrointestinal discomfort. Emerging research highlights GLP-1’s neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, offering potential beyond metabolic conditions.

This peptide continues to revolutionize metabolic medicine, offering hope for individuals seeking effective, multi-targeted treatment solutions.

 

Some brand names are:

  • Zepbound

  • Mounjaro

  • Ozempic

  • Wegovy

  • Saxenda

Peptide Profile: GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1)

follow us on facebook

References

Holst, J. J. (2007). The physiology of glucagon-like peptide 1. Physiological Reviews, 87(4), 1409–1439. https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00034.2006

Nauck, M. A., & Meier, J. J. (2019). GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors: The beginning of a new era in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 7(4), 324–334. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-8587(18)30284-5

Drucker, D. J. (2018). Mechanisms of action and therapeutic application of glucagon-like peptide-1. Cell Metabolism, 27(4), 740–756. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2018.03.001

Marso, S. P., Daniels, G. H., Brown-Frandsen, K., et al. (2016). Liraglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes. The New England Journal of Medicine, 375(4), 311–322. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1603827

Lean, M. E. J., Astrup, A., Roberts, S. B., et al. (2019). Semaglutide treatment to achieve sustained weight loss: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial. The Lancet, 392(10148), 637–649. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(18)31770-3