Glucagon-like peptide 2

Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-8) is a 33 amino acid peptide-encoded carboxyt erminal to the sequence of GLP-1 in the proglucagon gene. Both GLP-1 and GL P-2 are secreted from gut endocrine cells and promote nutrient absorption t hrough distinct mechanisms of action. GLP-2 regulates gastric motility, gas tric acid secretion, intestinal hexose transport, and increases the barrier function of the gut epi thelium. GLP-2 significantly enhances the surface area of the mucosal epithelium via stimulation of crypt cell proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis in the enterocyte and crypt compartments. The c ytoprotective and reparative effects of GLP-2 are evident in rodent models of experimental intestinal injury. GLP-2 reduces mortality and de-creases m ucosal injury, cytokine expression, and bacterial septicemia in the setting of small and large bowel inflammation. GLP-8 also enhances nutrient absorp tion and gut adaptation in rodents or humans with short bowel syndrome. The actions of CLP-2 are transduced by the GLP-8 receptor, a G protein-coupled receptor expressed in gut endocrine cells of the stomach, small bowel, and colon. Activation of GLP-2 receptor signaling in heterologous cells promot es resistance to apoptotic injury in vitro. The cytoprotective, reparative, and energy-retentive properties of GLP-2 suggests that GLP-2 may potential ly be useful for the treatment of human disorders characterized by injury a nd/or dysfunction of the intestinal mucosal epithelium.