ABSTRACT
Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) is a 33-amino acid peptide derived from the tissue-specific, post-translational processing of the proglucagon gene.GLP-2 is a newly discovered,specific for the intestine growth factor that affects gastrointestinal functions including epithelial growth of normal and developing intestinal preventing damage and facilitating intestinal repair in animal models and patients of intestinal disease. GLP-2 also inhibits gastrointestinal motility and gastric acid secretion, up-regulates intestinal blood flow and reduces food intake. The actions of GLP-2 are initiated by activation of the GLP-2 receptor (GLP-2R), a specific G-protein-linked membrane receptor. This review provides an overview of the physiological, pharmacological, and therapeutic actions of GLP-2 and GLP-2R signaling mechanism, with a focus on the most recent findings on the role of this peptide hormone in the normal and diseased gastrointestinal tract.