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The effect of GLP-1 receptor agonist lixisenatide on experimental diabetic retinopathy

Kuebra Oezer1, Matthias Kolibabka2, Johann Gassenhuber3

  • 15th Medical Department, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany. Kuebra.Acunman@gmail.com.

Acta Diabetologica
|July 9, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists like lixisenatide protect the diabetic retina. This study shows lixisenatide preserves retinal vasculature and function, mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Endocrinology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are effective type 2 diabetes treatments.
  • Their impact on the retinal neurovascular unit is not well understood.
  • Diabetic retinopathy is a major complication of diabetes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of the GLP-1 RA lixisenatide on diabetic retinopathy.
  • To assess the vasculo- and neuroprotective potential of lixisenatide in the retina.

Main Methods:

  • Experimental diabetic retinopathy in Wistar rats and high glucose-cultivated C. elegans.
  • Quantitative retinal morphometry, mfERG, western blot, immunohistochemistry, LC-MS/MS, and RNA-sequencing were performed.
  • Antioxidant properties were tested in C. elegans.

Main Results:

  • Lixisenatide preserved retinal vasculature and neuroretinal function in diabetic rats.
  • It mitigated macro- and microglial activation and normalized some gene expressions.
  • Lixisenatide demonstrated antioxidative properties in C. elegans.

Conclusions:

  • Lixisenatide exhibits a protective effect on the diabetic retina.
  • This protection is likely due to combined neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative mechanisms.
  • Lixisenatide benefits the retinal neurovascular unit in diabetes.
Keywords:
Diabetic retinopathyEts2GLP-1RALixisenatideNeurovascular unitROS

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