Semaglutide Peptide Research in Glucose Metabolism and Gastric Health

Scientific and Historical Background

Semaglutide peptide is an artificially synthesized analog of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Similar to the GLP-1 peptide hormone, Semaglutide, as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, may potentially decrease insulin levels and support weight reduction.⁽²⁾ Semaglutide was first synthesized and developed in 2012, and researchers have extensively explored its potential since that time.

Mechanism of Action

Continued research studies report that the peptide may produce effects via various pathways, including:

• Upon binding with the GLP-1 receptors and promoting insulin secretion, i.e., glucose-dependent insulin release⁽⁵⁾
• By suppressing the release of glucagon and inhibiting the hepatic synthesis of glucose
• By improving the pancreatic beta cell functioning and improving the proinsulin to insulin ratio⁽⁶⁾
• Delaying gastric motility and reducing appetite, leading to weight reduction⁽⁷⁾

Semaglutide and the Incretin Effect

One supposed effect most Semaglutide peptide researchers reported is the “incretin effect.” Incretins are a group of hormones released by the gastrointestinal tract in response to food intake, which triggers a reduction in blood glucose levels.

In the case of Semaglutide, the peptide appears to bind to the GLP-1 receptors located on the surface of the beta cells found in the pancreas. As a result of this linkage, it appears to stimulate insulin secretion and thereby decrease the excess blood glucose levels  – which is the same effect induced by incretin. Hence, the term “incretin effect” was coined.⁽²⁾

As per the scientist 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 may contribute to incretin hormone production and regulate blood sugar levels.

Semaglutide Peptide and Appetite Suppression

GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Semaglutide peptide may delay the motility of gastric acid in the stomach, reducing food intake.⁽²⁾ Laboratory experiments in Semaglutide suggest that the peptide may help gradually reduce excess weight. A clinical trial⁽⁸⁾ was conducted on a similar incretin mimetic compound, where 314 test subjects were enrolled for an 82-week study. All subjects were exposed to this compound throughout the study duration. After completing this study, it was reported that all showed a significant reduction in their weight and demonstrated improvement in some cardiovascular activity. As per L Blonde et al., this compound appeared to exhibit “progressive reduction in weight, as well as improvement in some cardiovascular risk factors. The most frequent adverse events were generally mild-to-moderate nausea and hypoglycemia.”

Semaglutide Peptide and Pancreatic Beta Cells

A study⁽⁹⁾ was conducted on non-obese and diabetic mice models. These were either subjected to a blend of Semaglutide and Lisofylline or Semaglutide and Exendin-4. Lisofylline is a compound that diminishes autoimmune ability (such as diabetes), and Exendin-4 is a compound that helps in the proliferation of beta cells. After completing this study, the results indicated that the peptide may have stimulated the growth of pancreatic beta cells, potentially preventing cellular apoptosis (i.e., cellular death).

Considering the results garnered from this study, and others like it, there are reasons to suppose that the peptide may help protect the pancreatic beta cells. Moreover, even after discontinuing peptide introduction, the blood glucose levels were maintained at an optimum for a minimum of 145 days.

Potential Neurological Impact of Semaglutide Peptide

Research⁽⁹⁾ has suggested that the GLP-1 receptor, namely GLP-1R, may be vital in supporting cognitive (learning) function. Both GLP-1 and its receptor GLP-1R appear to be expressed in the brain cells. When receptors GLP-1R are deficient, it may produce seizures, reduce cognitive function, and induce injury to the brain or nervous system. Being a synthetic analog of GLP-1, Semaglutide peptide may bind with the GLP-1R receptor to similarly enhance neurological function. Mathew J During et al. suggested, “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.”

In another study,⁽¹⁰⁾ the GLP-1 peptide and its analogs were suggested to protect the brain’s hippocampal areas against cellular apoptosis. These results of the study indicated that the peptide might halt and possibly reverse any neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer’s. Interestingly, similar studies report that the peptide may also reduce the concentration of beta amyloids in brain neurons. Beta amyloids are the precursor to Alzheimer’s, but there are reasons to believe that Semaglutide peptide may be able to prevent, or at least control, such amyloids.⁽¹¹⁾

Semaglutide Peptide and the Cardiovascular System

In a similar manner to its neurological mechanisms, GLP-1 receptors (GLP-1R) also appear to be vital in maintaining cardiac health. Being widely spread in the cardiovascular system, these receptors must bind with the peptide to produce these biological effects.⁽¹²⁾ GLP-1 and its peptide analogs, like Semaglutide peptide, may help maintain blood pressure levels and decrease left ventricular diastolic pressure. When these two are not adequately maintained, the risk of cardiac issues such as myocardial infarction or hypertrophy dramatically increases. Moreover, Semaglutide has been suggested to support cardiac health post-heart attack, as research findings on the peptide cite that it may act to improve the glucose uptake of the heart muscles, which typically become weak and ischemic post-myocardial infarction.

Conclusion

Semaglutide peptide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA). It may exhibit some control of glucose levels, stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin, and potentially reduce the sugar released from the liver. Semaglutide peptide also potentially reduces appetite via a reduction in hunger hormone signaling. This is particularly noted in studies involving research models of type 2 diabetes.

The results from clinical trials indicate it may exhibit similar potential to other GLP-1 RA compounds and suggest it may provide a longer duration of action, allowing for fewer instances of exposure than traditional compounds. Further clinical trials are in progress to further explore the action of the peptide and understand its therapeutic potential.

 
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References

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