Biomedicines (Apr 2021)

GLP-1 and Intestinal Diseases

  • Jenna Elizabeth Hunt,
  • Jens Juul Holst,
  • Palle Bekker Jeppesen,
  • Hannelouise Kissow

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines9040383
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9, no. 4
p. 383

Abstract

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Accumulating evidence implicates glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) to have, beyond glucose maintenance, a beneficial role in the gastrointestinal tract. Here, we review emerging data investigating GLP-1 as a novel treatment for intestinal diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases, short-bowel syndrome, intestinal toxicities and coeliac disease. Possible beneficial mechanisms for these diseases include GLP-1′s influence on gastric emptying, its anti-inflammatory properties and its intestinotrophic effect. The current knowledge basis derives from the available GLP-1 agonist treatments in experimental animals and small clinical trials. However, new novel strategies including dual GLP-1/GLP-2 agonists are also in development for the treatment of intestinal diseases.

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