The use of GLP-2 and related growth factors in intestinal diseases.

The pharmacological application of intestinal growth factors has been recognized because of the protective and reparative actions of these factors in the intestinal tract. This review highlights the use of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), IGF-1 and glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) in efficacy studies of intestinal damage; the results from these studies support potential clinical applications of these factors in treating intestinal diseases. In particular, GLP-2 has been assessed in preclinical and clinical investigations for its capacity to prevent or treat an increasing number of intestinal diseases, including short bowel syndrome, chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis and inflammatory bowel disease.