Central GLP-1 Actions on Energy Metabolism

Abstract Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is secreted mainly by the intestine in a nutrient-dependent manner and stimulates glucose-induced insulin secretion, inhibits gastric emptying, food intake, and glucagon secretion. All these beneficial effects make GLP-1 as a promising, and currently in the market, drug candidate for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. More recently, it has been also demonstrated that within the central nervous system, GLP-1 also exerts important metabolic actions inhibiting food intake, increasing insulin secretion, and modulating behavioral responses. In this review, we will focus on the metabolic actions and mechanisms of the central GLP-1 system: modulation of energy intake, glucose metabolism, and fatty acid metabolism.