GPR120 agonism as a countermeasure against metabolic diseases

Abstract

Obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease are at epidemic proportions in developed nations globally, representing major causes of ill-health and premature death. The search for drug targets to counter the growing prevalence of metabolic diseases has uncovered G-protein-coupled receptor 120 (GPR120). GPR120 agonism has been shown to improve inflammation and metabolic health on a systemic level via regulation of adiposity, gastrointestinal peptide secretion, taste preference and glucose homeostasis. Therefore, GPR120 agonists present as a novel therapeutic option that could be exploited for the treatment of impaired metabolic health. This review summarizes the current knowledge of GPR120 functionality and the potential applications of GPR120-specific agonists for the treatment of disease states such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.