GLP-2
Glucagon-like Peptide-2
Overview
Glucagon-like Peptide-2 (GLP-2) is an endogenous intestinotrophic hormone produced by L-cells in the intestinal mucosa that promotes gut epithelial growth repair and function. A synthetic analog teduglutide (Gattex/Revestive) is FDA-approved for short bowel syndrome — making GLP-2 one of the few gut peptides with regulatory approval. GLP-2 is increasingly studied for intestinal permeability leaky gut inflammatory bowel disease and mucosal healing applications. It represents the most targeted peptide intervention for gut epithelial health currently available.
Mechanism of Action
GLP-2 acts through a specific receptor (GLP-2R) expressed predominantly on intestinal enteroendocrine cells and enteric neurons. Receptor activation stimulates crypt cell proliferation and inhibits enterocyte apoptosis increasing the surface area and absorptive capacity of the small intestinal mucosa. GLP-2 upregulates tight junction proteins including claudin and occludin that maintain the intestinal barrier reducing intestinal permeability. It also stimulates intestinal blood flow promotes nutrient absorption and has anti-inflammatory effects through reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in the gut wall. In short bowel syndrome GLP-2 treatment reduces the need for parenteral nutrition by dramatically improving the remaining intestine's absorptive function. The intestinotrophic effects are specific to the gastrointestinal tract with minimal systemic anabolic effects distinguishing it from GLP-1.
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Dosage Information
Typical Dose
0.05 mg/kg daily (clinical), 100-200 mcg (research protocols)
Frequency
Once daily subcutaneous injection
Administration
Subcutaneous injection
Notes
FDA-approved teduglutide dose is 0.05 mg/kg daily for short bowel syndrome. Research use for leaky gut and IBD uses lower doses. Requires medical supervision for clinical indications.
Compound Data
Molecular Formula
C165H254N44O55S
Molecular Weight
3766.10 g/mol
IUPAC Name
(2S)-2-[[(2S,3R)-2-[[(2S,3S)-2-[[(2S)-6-amino-2-[[(2S,3R)-2-[[(2S)-5-amino-2-[[(2S,3S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-4-amino-2-[[(2S,3S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-4-amino-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S,3S)-2-[[(2S,3R)-2-[[(2S)-4-amino-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-amino-3-(1H-imidazol-5-yl)propanoyl]amino]propanoyl]amino]-3-carboxypropanoyl]amino]acetyl]amino]-3-hydroxypropanoyl]amino]-3-phenylpropanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxypropanoyl]amino]-3-carboxypropanoyl]amino]-4-carboxybutanoyl]amino]-4-methylsulfanylbutanoyl]amino]-4-oxobutanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxybutanoyl]amino]-3-methylpentanoyl]amino]-4-methylpentanoyl]amino]-3-carboxypropanoyl]amino]-4-oxobutanoyl]amino]-4-methylpentanoyl]amino]propanoyl]amino]propanoyl]amino]-5-carbamimidamidopentanoyl]amino]-3-carboxypropanoyl]amino]-3-phenylpropanoyl]amino]-3-methylpentanoyl]amino]-4-oxobutanoyl]amino]-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propanoyl]amino]-4-methylpentanoyl]amino]-3-methylpentanoyl]amino]-5-oxopentanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxybutanoyl]amino]hexanoyl]amino]-3-methylpentanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxybutanoyl]amino]butanedioic acid
PubChem CID
71300624Potential Side Effects
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Quick Facts
- Administration
- Subcutaneous injection
- Typical Dose
- 0.05 mg/kg daily (clinical), 100-200 mcg (research protocols)
- Frequency
- Once daily subcutaneous injection
- References
- 0 curated + 47 from PubMed
- Clinical Trials
- 48 registered
- Evidence Score
- 80.0 / 100