Incretin-based therapies for obesity treatment

Metabolism. 2015 Sep;64(9):967-81. doi: 10.1016/j.metabol.2015.05.012. Epub 2015 May 23.

Abstract

Currently, obesity and its associated complications are considered major public health problems worldwide. Because the causes are multifactorial and complex, different treatment methods are used, which include diet and exercise, as well as the use of drugs, although they can have adverse side effects. A new target for the treatment of obesity may be the incretin system, which consists of hormones that seem to contribute to weight loss. In this sense, some studies have shown a relationship between weight loss and drugs related to incretin system, including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. The objective of this review is to summarize the association between the incretin system and obesity treatment.

Keywords: DPP-4; GLP-1; Incretin; Obesity; Treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Obesity Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 / agonists
  • Humans
  • Incretins / physiology
  • Incretins / therapeutic use*
  • Obesity / drug therapy*
  • Obesity / physiopathology
  • Receptors, Gastrointestinal Hormone / agonists
  • Receptors, Gastrointestinal Hormone / antagonists & inhibitors

Substances

  • Anti-Obesity Agents
  • Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors
  • Incretins
  • Receptors, Gastrointestinal Hormone
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide 1
  • gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor