GLP-1

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone produced by post-translational processing of proglucagon in intestinal L cells and by preproglucagon neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarius. The active forms, mainly GLP-1(7-36)amide, are released within minutes of nutrient ingestion and act through the Gs-coupled GLP-1 receptor to augment glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppress glucagon, slow gastric emptying and promote satiety via hypothalamic and vagal circuits. Because native GLP-1 is degraded within minutes by DPP-4, therapy relies on DPP-4-resistant analogs such as exenatide, liraglutide and semaglutide or on DPP-4 inhibitors; GLP-1-based drugs now anchor the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity, with proven cardiovascular benefit.