Glucagon-like peptide 2

From Ganfyd

Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP2) is a 33-amino acid derivative of glucagon preproprotein produced by intestinal enteroendocrine cells. Actions include:

• Stimulates intestinal mucosa proliferation
• Upregulates villus height
• Antiapoptotic intestinal cellular responses

It specifically activates the glucagon-like peptide-2 receptor (GLP2R) which is expressed in a number of intestinal cell types. In man it is degraded to GLP2-(3-33) although the mechanism may be different from other mammals. Indeed some of the pathways activated seem unique but include:

• cyclic AMP protein kinase pathway
• Mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway
• Nitric oxide-dependent enteric neural GLP-2R affects intestinal blood flow
• Beta-catenin signaling with a necessary cofactor being insulin-like growth factor I to produce crypt cell proliferation.
• Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide modulation of its actions in intestinal inflammation
• Keratinocyte growth factor as a co-factor in colonic mucosal growth

Clinical relevance

• Reduces mortality and mucosal injury in both small and large bowel inflammation
• Prevents intestinal hypoplasia resulting from total parenteral nutrition
• Enhances nutrient absorption