Semaglutide modulates prothrombotic and atherosclerotic mechanisms, associated with epicardial fat, neutrophils and

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David García-Vega1,2,3, David Sánchez-López4,3, Gemma Rodríguez-Carnero5,6

  • 1Cardiology department, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago, Travesía de la Choupana SN, 15706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

Cardiovascular Diabetology
|January 4, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Semaglutide enhances epicardial fat

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Metabolic Disease Research
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Rising obesity rates contribute to diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
  • The interplay between glucose, immune cells, endothelium, and epicardial fat drives atherogenesis.
  • Epicardial fat (EAT) plays a role in pro-inflammatory and thrombotic processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, on human epicardial fat (EAT), aortic endothelial cells, and neutrophils.
  • To understand semaglutide's impact on cellular mechanisms involved in atherogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Collected EAT and subcutaneous fat (SAT) from cardiac surgery patients.
  • Analyzed glucose consumption and exosome protein cargo after semaglutide treatment.
  • Assessed neutrophil phenotype, adhesion to endothelial cells, and angiogenesis.
  • Measured immune cell markers and plasma proteins in patients before and after 6 months of semaglutide treatment.

Main Results:

  • Semaglutide treatment increased gelsolin secretion from EAT, an antithrombotic protein.
  • The drug modulated neutrophil CD11b expression, migration, and endothelial adhesion.
  • FABP4 levels significantly reduced by 20%, and neutrophils-CD88 increased by 80% in patients after 6 months of semaglutide treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Semaglutide enhances the endocrine function of epicardial fat, conferring antithrombotic properties.
  • The drug modulates the pro-inflammatory and atherogenic profile associated with FABP4.
  • Semaglutide treatment reduces FABP4 levels in patients, indicating a potential benefit in managing obesity-related cardiovascular risks.
Abstract

Keywords:
AtherosclerosisEpicardial fatObesitySemaglutide

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