The distal intestine is now recognized as a major endocrine organ.
Enteroendocrine Cells
The ileum contains L cells, which secrete:
GLP-1
PYY
GLP-2
These hormones regulate multiple metabolic processes including:
insulin secretion
glucose metabolism
appetite regulation
Implications for Bariatric Surgery
Procedures that stimulate the distal intestine earlier are associated with stronger metabolic effects.
Duodenal Transit Bipartition was developed based on this physiological principle.




