LEAP2 Reduces Ad Libitum Food Intake and Attenuates Postprandial Glucose Excursions in Men With Obesity

Liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2), a ghrelin receptor antagonist and inverse agonist, reduces food intake and improves markers of dysmetabolism in preclinical studies and in lean men; however, the effects of LEAP2 in obesity is unknown. We investigated the effects of exogenous LEAP2 on ad libitum food intake and metabolic parameters in men with obesity. We found that LEAP2 reduces ad libitum food intake and reduces postprandial plasma glucose concentration, revitalizing the ghrelin receptor as a potential target in the treatment of obesity and its related conditions.