Abstract

INCRETINS: ANTIOBESITY AND ANTIDIABETIC BLOCKBUSTERS

Amit Gangwal*

ABSTRACT

Incretins are a group of specialized hormones secreted in gastrointestinal tract (usually post - meal) that play crucial role in feeding behavior directly or indirectly. They stimulate a decrease in blood glucose levels. Incretins increases insulin release from the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans of pancreas, post meal so that blood glucose levels remains in check. They also minimize the rate of absorption of nutrients into the blood stream by reducing gastric emptying and may directly reduce food intake by providing a feeling of satiety. Their gastric emptying delay also causes slower entry of glucose in blood. They also inhibit glucagon release from the alphacells of the Islets of Langerhans. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory peptide (also known as: glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide or GIP) are two major candidate molecules that fulfill criteria for an incretin. Both GLP-1 and GIP are rapidly inactivated by enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase- IV (DPP- IV). This led to the concept of DPP - IV inhibitors as anti diabetic agents. Few insulinotropic activity possessing incretins which are available in marker for treatment of diabetes are exenatide, liraglutide, exenatide (extended-release). There are reports of incretins being explored for their role in management of obesity. This article summarizes potential role of incretins in discovery of antidiabetic and antiobesity molecule. Article also throws light on recent developments in incretin research.

Keywords: Incretins, GLP-1, Amylin, Exenatide, Gila monster, Diabetes, Obesity, DPP- 4 inhibitors.