Gut Hormones

Gut hormones are signaling molecules released by specialized endocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract. Many are produced by enteroendocrine cells scattered throughout the stomach and intestinal epithelium. Examples include gastrin, cholecystokinin, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, glucagon-like peptide-1, peptide YY, and ghrelin. Together, these hormones help coordinate digestive and metabolic responses to food intake .^1,2

Enteroendocrine cells can sense nutrients and other signals within the gastrointestinal tract through membrane transporters, G-protein-coupled receptors, ion channels, and other sensory mechanisms. Digestion products such as glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids can therefore stimulate hormone release. Individual gut hormones are produced in different regions and have different targets, allowing information about gastrointestinal contents to influence processes such as digestive secretion, gastrointestinal motility, insulin secretion, and food intake .^1,2

Gut hormones can signal in several ways. Some enter the bloodstream and act on distant organs, while others act locally on nearby cells or communicate with the nervous system, including through vagal sensory pathways. These mechanisms contribute to communication between the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, brain, and other tissues .^1,2

Gut hormones are distinct from digestive enzymes. Gut hormones act as signaling molecules that regulate physiological processes, whereas digestive enzymes catalyze the chemical breakdown of food molecules .^1,2