Glucagon-like peptide 1, brain, neurodegenerative diseases: a modern view

Glucagon-like peptide 1, a hormone synthesized in the intestine, has attracted the attention of scientists with its connection with the brain. A number of studies have shown the effect of glucagon-like peptide 1 on the functions of the nervous system, such as thermogenesis, blood pressure control, energy homeostasis, neurogenesis. In addition, modulation of glucagon-like peptide 1 activity may affect the aggregation of amyloid β-peptide in Alzheimer’s disease and dopamine in Parkinson’s disease. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists have shown a beneficial effect on animal brain ischemia by reducing the area of brain infarction, reducing neurological deficit due to inhibition of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammatory response. Their positive effect on cognitive function in animals with type 2 diabetes mellitus or obesity has been proven, improving learning and memory. There is increasing evidence of the neuroprotective effect of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists in animals with neurodegenerative diseases, regardless of the presence of T2DM. However, further clinical studies are needed to study the feasibility of using these drugs to treat Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and other forms of cognitive impairment in humans. The discussion of the above issues is the subject of this literature review.