Shilpa Mehta
This review provides an overview of current evidence on the presence, distribution, and physiological role of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors in skin tissue. Although GLP-1 receptor agonists are primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity, increasing evidence suggests that they may also have direct effects on the skin. This review examines the available research on GLP-1 receptor expression in major skin cell types, including keratinocytes, dermal fibroblasts, and the cutaneous microvascular endothelium. The strength of the evidence is evaluated according to the species studied, the experimental model used, and the method of receptor detection, including gene expression, protein identification, and functional activity. Differences in findings across animal models, cultured cells, and human tissue are also considered. In addition, this review distinguishes between skin effects that are likely mediated by direct activation of GLP-1 receptors within cutaneous tissue and those that occur indirectly through systemic metabolic improvement or modulation of immune and inflammatory pathways.