Glucagon-like peptide-1: a multi-faceted anti-inflammatory agent

Front Immunol. 2023 May 17:14:1148209. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1148209. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Inflammation contributes to many chronic conditions. It is often associated with circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and immune cells. GLP-1 levels correlate with disease severity. They are often elevated and can serve as markers of inflammation. Previous studies have shown that oxytocin, hCG, ghrelin, alpha-MSH and ACTH have receptor-mediated anti-inflammatory properties that can rescue cells from damage and death. These peptides have been studied well in the past century. In contrast, GLP-1 and its anti-inflammatory properties have been recognized only recently. GLP-1 has been proven to be a useful adjuvant therapy in type-2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and hyperglycemia. It also lowers HbA1C and protects cells of the cardiovascular and nervous systems by reducing inflammation and apoptosis. In this review we have explored the link between GLP-1, inflammation, and sepsis.

Keywords: GLP-1 - glucagon-like peptide-1; GLP-1 agonists; anti-inflammation; hormone; incretin; inflammation.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / drug therapy
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide 1* / metabolism
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide 1* / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / drug therapy
  • Peptides / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Glucagon-Like Peptide 1
  • Peptides
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Grants and funding

The authors declare that this study received philanthropic funding from Alan and Tatyana Forman through Altronix Inc. The funder was not involved in the study design, collection, analysis, interpretation of data, the writing of this article or the decision to submit it for publication.