The therapeutic potential of targeting the glucagon-like peptide-2 receptor in gastrointestinal disease.

Introduction: Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) is a pleiotropic intestinotrophic hormone that enhances digestive and absorptive capacity by acting through a limited population of intestinal GLP-2 receptors. The development of protease-resistant analogs or GLP-2/IgG fusion proteins confers a longer circulating half life than the native peptide. GLP-2 has garnered interest as a therapeutic most notably by reducing reliance on total parenteral nutrition in patients with short bowel syndrome.

Areas Covered: The clinical evidence for benefit in conditions requiring longer term treatment with GLP-2 receptor agonists, for example short bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. Benefits of short-term GLP-2 treatment are emerging in pre-clinical models, such as post-operative ileus, GI mucositis and conditions of altered intestinal permeability. The therapeutic utility of GLP-2 receptor agonists is limited by concern that it predisposes patients to gastrointestinal cancers, or their re-occurrence in cancer patients. This affects the types of diseases treated and, possibly, the duration of dosing.

Expert Opinion: GLP-2 is therapeutically attractive in diseases to enhance absorptive capacity, restore mucosal health and reduce inflammation. Long-term surveillance studies with a marketed therapeutic agent are needed to weigh the benefits of GLP-2 treatment against the potential effects on co-morbidities and increased risk of intestinal carcinogenesis.