Education
Peptide Research
What are GLP-1s?
Dec 20, 2024
What does GLP-1 mean?
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a naturally occurring peptide produced in the gut. It is involved in pathways related to glucose and appetite signaling, which are widely studied in metabolic research.
Scientists have developed synthetic versions of GLP-1, known as GLP-1 analogs or GLP-1 receptor agonists. Compounds such as semaglutide, tirzepatide, and retatrutide are currently under intensive study due to their potential in metabolic and weight-related research.
[Mullard, 2022; Jastreboff et al., 2022].
What are GLP-1 Analogs Known For?
1. Glucose Regulation
In experimental models, GLP-1 analogs like semaglutide have been observed to enhance glucose-dependent insulin secretion and suppress glucagon release, observed to influence insulin and glucagon secretion, leading to changes in glucose dynamics in research models.
[Nauck et al., 1993; Drucker, 2018].
2. Gastric Emptying Modulation
GLP-1 has been shown to slow gastric emptying, which has been linked to delayed gastric emptying and altered postprandial glucose responses in experimental settings.
[Meier et al., 2002; Nauck et al., 1997].
3. Appetite Signaling Pathways
GLP-1 receptors in the hypothalamus and brainstem play a role in appetite suppression. GLP-1 analogs like tirzepatide and retatrutide are being studied for their effects on central appetite-related signaling pathways and energy balance in research settings.
[Secher et al., 2014; Frias et al., 2021].
4. Cardiovascular Research
GLP-1 analogs have been investigated for their roles in cardiovascular signaling pathways, including effects on endothelial responses and inflammatory markers in laboratory and clinical research. These outcomes are being explored in both laboratory models and human trials.
[Marso et al., 2016; Drucker, 2021].
References
Mullard, A. (2022). Retatrutide enters the weight loss race. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 21, 569.
All products sold by Direct Peptides are strictly for laboratory research purposes only. They are not intended for human or animal consumption, medical, or therapeutic use. The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only.