Glucagon like peptide 2 (GLP-2)

The role of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in energy homeostasis through the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, and the production of incretin hormones remains well recognized in recent years. Studying the functional changes of the GI system following bariatric surgery, particularly involving the secretion of incretin hormones has led into understanding their interaction with areas of the brain to regulate metabolism and energy balance. In Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and obesity, this homeostatic balance is disrupted, either through alterations in the levels of these hormones or through resistance to their actions. Although bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for T2DM and obesity, it cannot be applied to most patients. Hence, recapitulation of the changes of incretin hormone secretion after bariatric surgery in the post Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analogue era remains an attractive area for further research and the development of new treatments for T2DM and obesity.

Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) is a proglucagon-derived peptide produced by intestinal L-cells and by cells within the brainstem and other areas of the central nervous system. GLP-2 is implicated in regulation of energy absorption and maintenance of GI mucosal structure but as recent evidence suggests may also have a beneficial effect in glucose homeostasis, particularly in states associated with increased energy uptake such as obesity.