Introduction
Human Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a peptide hormone consisting of 30 or 31 amino acids. It is derived from the tissue-specific posttranslational processing of the proglucagon peptide . GLP-1 is primarily produced and secreted by intestinal enteroendocrine L-cells and certain neurons within the nucleus of the solitary tract in the brainstem upon food consumption . This hormone plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism and has significant implications for the treatment of diabetes and obesity.
Production and Secretion
GLP-1 is produced through the cleavage of proglucagon by prohormone convertase (PC) 1/3 in the gut and brain . The initial product, GLP-1 (1–37), undergoes further processing to yield two biologically active forms: GLP-1 (7–36) amide and GLP-1 (7–37) . These active forms are responsible for the hormone’s various physiological effects.
Physiological Functions
GLP-1 is an incretin hormone, meaning it enhances insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner . This property makes it particularly valuable for managing blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. In addition to its insulinotropic effects, GLP-1 has been associated with numerous regulatory and protective effects, including:
Degradation and Half-Life
Endogenous GLP-1 is rapidly degraded by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), neutral endopeptidase 24.11 (NEP 24.11), and renal clearance . As a result, the half-life of GLP-1 is approximately 2 minutes, with only 10-15% of the hormone reaching circulation intact . This rapid degradation has led to the development of GLP-1 receptor agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors to enhance GLP-1 activity for therapeutic purposes .
Therapeutic Applications
GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide and liraglutide, have gained approval as drugs to treat diabetes and obesity . These medications mimic the effects of GLP-1, providing benefits such as improved glycemic control, weight loss, and a lower risk of hypoglycemia compared to traditional treatments like insulin and sulfonylureas .
Conclusion
Human Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a multifaceted hormone with significant roles in glucose metabolism, appetite regulation, and cardiovascular health. Its rapid degradation and short half-life have spurred the development of therapeutic agents that enhance GLP-1 activity, offering promising treatments for diabetes and obesity.