glicentin

Glicentin is a peptide hormone derived from proglucagon that is produced primarily by enteroendocrine L cells in the intestinal mucosa and, to a lesser extent, by pancreatic alpha cells. It belongs to the family of proglucagon-derived peptides, which also includes glucagon, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), GLP-2, and oxyntomodulin. Glicentin corresponds to the N-terminal portion of the proglucagon precursor and consists of about 69 amino acids. During tissue-specific processing of proglucagon, glicentin is generated in the intestinal lineage, while other peptides predominate in the pancreas.

Secretion of glicentin is stimulated by nutrient intake, and it can be detected in plasma alongside other GLP-1 family peptides after meals. However, its precise physiological role remains unclear. Some experimental studies suggest possible effects on intestinal mucosal growth, gut motility, or modulation of insulin secretion in certain models, but results are inconclusive and no definitive function has been established.

Clinical relevance of glicentin is limited. It is not routinely measured in clinical practice, and there are no established diagnostic uses. Immunoassays for glicentin can cross-react with other proglucagon-derived peptides, complicating interpretation. In research, glicentin is studied as part of the broader program of understanding enteroendocrine hormone processing and the regulation of postprandial hormonal responses.

See also: glucagon, GLP-1, GLP-2, oxyntomodulin, proglucagon.