The gut is traditionally recognized as the central organ for the digestion and absorption of nutrients, however it also functions as a significant endocrine organ, secreting a variety of hormones such as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), serotonin, somatostatin, and glucocorticoids. These gut hormones, produced by specialized intestinal epithelial cells (IECs), are crucial not only for digestive processes but also for the regulation of a wide range of physiological functions, including appetite, metabolism, and immune responses. While gut hormones can exert systemic effects, they also play a pivotal role in maintaining local homeostasis within the gut. This review discusses the role of the gut as an endocrine organ, emphasizing the stimuli, the newly discovered functions, and the clinical significance of gut-secreted hormones. Deciphering the emerging role of gut hormones will lead to a better understanding of gut homeostasis, innovative treatments for disorders in the gut as well as systemic diseases.Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Citation
Hyeryeong Cho, Jaechul Lim. The emerging role of gut hormones. Molecules and cells. 2024 Oct 17:100126100126
PMID: 39426686
View Full Text
