Gut-Brain Communication in Parkinson ’s Disease: Enteroendocrine Regulation by GLP-1

The objective of this review is to discuss the role of the neuroendocrine system in gut-brain communication as it relates to PD pathogenesis, as this system has not been comprehensively considered in prior reviews. The incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is secreted by enteroendocrine cells of the intestinal epithelium, and there is evidence that it is neuroprotective in animal models and human subjects with PD. Agonists of GLP-1 receptors used in diabetes appear to be useful for preventing neurodegeneration. New tools and models have enabled us to study regulation of GLP-1 secretion by intestinal microbiota, to understand how this process may be defective in PD, and to develop methods for therapeutically modifying disease development or progression using the enteroendocrine system.SummaryGLP-1 secretion by enteroendocrine cells may be a key mediator of neuroprotection in PD, and new findings in this field may offer unique insights into PD pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies.
Source: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports - Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research