Article Text
Review
Gut adaptation and the glucagon-like peptides
Abstract
The glucagon-like peptides GLP-1 and GLP-2 are synthesised and then released from enteroendocrine cells in the small and large intestine. GLP-1 promotes efficient nutrient assimilation while GLP-2 regulates energy absorption via effects on nutrient intake, gastric acid secretion and gastric emptying, nutrient absorption, and mucosal permeability. Preliminary human studies indicate that GLP-2 may enhance energy absorption and reduce fluid loss in subjects with short bowel syndrome suggesting that GLP-2 functions as a key regulator of mucosal integrity, permeability, and nutrient absorption. Hence GLP-2 may be therapeutically useful in diseases characterised by injury or dysfunction of the gastrointestinal epithelium.
- short bowel
- intestine
- gut adaptation
- glucagon-like peptides
- enteroendocrine
- appetite
- mucositis
- nutrition
- GLP-1, GLP-2, glucagon-like peptides 1 and 2
- GLI, glucagon-like immunoreactivity
- PGDP, proglucagon derived peptide
- IP-1, IP-2, intervening peptides 1 and-2
- DP IV, dipeptidyl peptidase IV
- PKA, protein kinase A
- GLP-2R, GLP-2 receptor