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What Is GLP-1 Really Doing in Obesity?
Tohru Hira1, Jukkrapong Pinyo2, Hiroshi Hara3
1Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan; Graduate School of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism: TEM
|October 23, 2019
Summary
The gastrointestinal hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) response to meals is not always decreased in obesity. Studies suggest GLP-1 secretion may be enhanced in obesity, potentially protecting against glucose intolerance.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Research
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a key hormone regulating glucose homeostasis.
- GLP-1 enhances insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells.
- Existing human studies show conflicting results regarding GLP-1 response in obesity and diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of postprandial GLP-1 secretion in obesity.
- To reconcile inconsistent findings on GLP-1 responses in metabolic disorders.
- To evaluate the potential protective function of GLP-1 during obesity development.
Main Methods:
- Review of human observational studies and meta-analyses.
- Analysis of animal model data, specifically diet-induced obese rats.
- Comparison of GLP-1 secretory responses to meals in obese versus lean subjects/animals.
Main Results:
- Human studies present conflicting data on GLP-1 response to meals in obesity.
- Animal studies consistently show higher postprandial GLP-1 secretion in diet-induced obese rats.
- These findings challenge the notion of a universally decreased GLP-1 response in obesity.
Conclusions:
- Postprandial GLP-1 secretion is not necessarily decreased in obesity.
- GLP-1 response may be enhanced during obesity development.
- Enhanced GLP-1 secretion might play a protective role against glucose intolerance.
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