RESEARCH

Semaglutide Peptide and Incretin

An incretin is a group of hormones released by the gastrointestinal tract in response to meal intake, which may help decrease blood glucose levels. GLP-1 receptors are found on the surface of the beta cells in the pancreas. When and if the Semaglutide peptide binds, it may stimulate insulin secretion and help decrease the excess blood glucose levels.⁽¹⁾ As stated by J. J Holst, “The main actions of GLP-1 are to stimulate insulin secretion (i.e., to act as an incretin hormone) and to inhibit glucagon secretion, thereby contributing to limit postprandial glucose excursions.” Being a GLP-1 receptor agonist, Semaglutide peptide might contribute to the incretin hormone production and regulation of blood sugar levels.

Semaglutide Peptide and Pancreatic Beta Cells

An experiment conducted on non-obese and diabetic mice models presented Semaglutide in combination with lisofylline (a compound that suppresses the autoimmune ability) and exedin-4 (a compound that assists the proliferation of beta cells).⁽⁶⁾ The results suggested that the peptide might promote the growth of pancreatic beta cells and prevent cellular apoptosis. In addition to possibly protecting the pancreatic beta cells, Semaglutide peptide was suggested by the researchers to help maintain the optimal glucose levels in the body 145 days after the peptide was withdrawn from test subjects.

Semaglutide Peptide and Appetite

GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Semaglutide may possibly delay gastric acid motility, contributing to satiation and reducing appetite.⁽¹⁾ Animal research models suggested that when presented in the brain, these peptides might decrease the drive to consume food and prevent food intake.⁽⁷⁾

Semaglutide and Neurological Potential

The GLP-1 receptor, named GLP-1R, is considered vital in improving cognitive abilities. GLP-1 and GLP-1R are expressed in brain cells. When GLP-1R is deficient in the brain, it may tend to cause seizures, impaired learning abilities, and neuronal injury. When bound to these receptors, it might improve cognitive and learning abilities. As per Mathew J During et al., “Systemic administration of GLP-1 receptor agonists in wild-type animals prevents kainate-induced apoptosis of hippocampal neurons. Brain GLP-1R represents a promising new target for cognitive-enhancing and neuroprotective agents.”⁽⁸⁾ These results might indicate the potential of the peptide within neurological research.

Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Receptors

GLP-1 receptors are spread throughout the cardiovascular system, which, when activated, may help maintain cardiac function.⁽⁹⁾ GLP-1 and its agonists possibly help maintain optimal blood pressure and reduce the left ventricular diastolic pressure, which, when not maintained, may lead to hypertrophy, cardiac issues, and heart attack. The Semaglutide peptide may improve the glucose uptake of the heart muscles. Heart muscles become weak and ischemic post myocardial infarction, which have the potential for reversal when presented with Semaglutide.

References:

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