Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Is Present on Human Hepatocytes and Has A Direct Role in Decreasing Hepatic Steatosis in Vitro by Modulating Elements of the Insulin Signaling Pathway

Abstract

This is the first report that the G protein-coupled receptor GLP-1R is present on human hepatocytes. Furthermore, it appears that exendin-4 has the same beneficial effects in vitro as those seen in our previously published in vivo study in ob/ob mice, directly reducing hepatocyte steatosis. Future use for human nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, either in combination with dietary manipulation or other pharmacotherapy, may be a significant advance in treatment of this common form of liver disease.