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Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Brain Vascular Function

Edin Begic1, Mirsada Causevic2

  • 1Department of Cardiology, General Hospital "Prim.Dr. Abdulah Nakas", Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Department of Pharmacology, Sarajevo Medical School, Sarajevo School of Science and Technology, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Heart, Lung & Circulation
|September 4, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists show cardiorenal benefits beyond glucose lowering. These agents aid in preventing atherosclerotic changes and preserving brain vascular function, suggesting potential in neurodegenerative disease treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Endocrinology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Cardiovascular medicine aims to prevent events and regress atherosclerosis.
  • Endothelial dysfunction causes arterial thrombosis by disrupting vascular hemostasis.
  • Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, initially for glucose control, now offer cardiorenal benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists in preventing atherosclerotic changes.
  • To discuss their role in preserving brain vascular function.
  • To explore their potential therapeutic use in neurodegenerative diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on GLP-1 receptor agonists.
  • Analysis of evidence regarding cardiovascular and cerebrovascular effects.
  • Exploration of mechanisms underlying potential neuroprotective roles.

Main Results:

  • GLP-1 receptor agonists demonstrate efficacy in mitigating atherosclerosis progression.
  • Evidence suggests a positive impact on maintaining brain vascular health.
  • Emerging data indicate potential benefits for neurodegenerative conditions.

Conclusions:

  • GLP-1 receptor agonists offer significant advantages in cardiovascular prevention and atherosclerosis regression.
  • Their beneficial effects extend to cerebrovascular health.
  • Further research is warranted to establish their role in treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Keywords:
Alzheimer's diseaseAtherosclerosisGlucagon-like peptide 1Neurodegenerative diseasesTherapeutics

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