GLP-1 – Incretin and pleiotropic hormone with pharmacotherapy potential. Increasing secretion of endogenous GLP-1 for diabetes and obesity therapy

Because of the beneficial actions of the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 on glucose metabolism and appetite, food intake and eventually body weight, and because of the observation that the similar metabolic effects of gastric bypass surgery are associated with excessive secretion of GLP-1, attempts are now being made to stimulate the endogenous secretion of this hormone. By targeting the natural cellular origin of GLP-1 it is anticipated that also the physiological pathways of hormone action (which may include neural mechanisms) would be engaged, which might generate fewer side effects. In addition, release of other products of the responsible intestinal endocrine cells, the L-cells, namely the appetite inhibitory hormone, PYY 3–36, and the dual glucagon-GLP-1 co-agonist, oxyntomodulin, would also be promoted. Here, the normal mechanisms for stimulation of L-cell secretion are reviewed, and the potential of identified secretagogues is discussed. Paracrine regulation of L-cell secretion is also discussed and the potential of somatostatin receptor antagonists is emphasized. A therapeutic approach based on stimulation of endogenous secretion of GLP-1/PYY still seems both attractive and potentially feasible.