The role of free fatty acid receptors activation in pancreatic disorders

Free fatty acid receptors (FFARs), a subset of G protein-coupled receptors, play a pivotal role in metabolic and immune homeostasis by modulating signaling pathways in response to free fatty acids. The four main FFARs (FFAR1, FFAR2, FFAR3, and FFAR4) are especially significant in pancreatic function, regulating insulin secretion, inflammation, and glucose metabolism. These receptors are involved in key pancreatic disorders, including acute pancreatitis (AP), pancreatic cancer (PC), type 1 diabetes (T1D), and type 2 diabetes (T2D). FFAR1, FFAR3, and FFAR4 exhibit protective effects against AP due to their anti-inflammatory properties. In PC, FFAR1 inhibits tumor cell motility, while FFAR2 downregulation may contribute to tumor progression. FFAR3 plays a role in limiting tumor proliferation, whereas FFAR4 has a dual effect, promoting metastasis while also triggering tumor cell apoptosis. In T1D, FFAR2 and FFAR4 help regulate glycemia without directly stimulating insulin secretion. In T2D, all four FFARs contribute to glycemic control and may protect pancreatic β-cells. Despite their therapeutic potential, the precise mechanisms underlying FFAR function in pancreatic disorders remain incompletely understood. Ongoing research aims to clarify these pathways, identify optimal ligands, and assess the safety and efficacy of FFAR-targeted therapies. This growing body of evidence underscores the importance of FFARs as potential targets for innovative treatments in pancreatic diseases.