Glucagon-Like Peptide-2 (GLP-2) is a 33-amino acid gut hormone produced by the intestinal L-cells and various neurons in the central nervous system1-3. Posttranslational proteolytic cleavage of proglucagon molecule produces GLP-2 along with GLP-1. Intestinal GLP-2 is co-secreted along with GLP-1 upon nutrient ingestion. GLP-2 is released in response to stimulation by luminal nutrients, such as glucose, fatty acids and dietary fiber4. GLP-2 is cleaved by proteolytic enzymes into active form (1-33) and inactive form (3-33). The GLP-2 sequence is highly conserved among mammals and is involved in regulating gut mucosal growth and integrity. The main biological actions of GLP-2 are related to the regulation of energy absorption and maintenance of mucosal morphology, function and integrity of the intestine; however, recent experimental animal studies suggested that GLP-2 exerts beneficial effects on glucose metabolism in conditions related to increased uptake of energy, such as obesity. GLP-2 acts in an endocrine fashion to link intestinal growth and metabolism with nutrient intake4. GLP-2 acts as a beneficial factor for glucose metabolism in mice with high-fat diet-induced obesity5. GLP-2 and related analogs may be used as therapeutics for short bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, osteoporosis and as adjuvant therapy during cancer chemotherapy. Measuring plasma levels of GLP-2 in research, preclinical and clinical studies of Type 2 Diabetes and obesity will open new avenue for diagnostics and therapeutics.
References:
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4. Amato A, Baldassano and Flavia Mulè. GLP2: an underestimated signal for improving glycaemic control and insulin sensitivity. Journal of Endocrinology (2016) 229, R57€“R66
5. Baldassano S, Amato A, Rappa F, Cappello F & Mulè F (2016b) Influence of endogenous glucagon like peptide-2 on lipid disorders in mice fed a high fat diet. Endocrine Research.
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