Abstract
Effects of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) on liver cells are very intensively studied. In the metabolism of sacharides GLP-1 stimulates synthesis of glycogen and reduces glucose production - thus acting like insulin.
In the lipid metabolism it enhances fatty acid oxidation and lipid transport from hepatocytes while reducing de novo lipogenesis - effects more similar to glucagon action. Some studies suggest beneficial effects of GLP-1 on oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, production of inflammatory mediators and dysfunction of biliary secretion.
Current results suggest that drugs affecting incretin system could be used in the treatment of certain liver diseases (e.g. NAFLD and NASH) in the future.
In the following article we mention the known effects of GLP-1 on liver functions and liver metabolism and we point out its possible future therapeutic use in the treatment of liver diseases.