Current perspectives on the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists in obesity-related obstructive sleep apnea: a narrative

Ali A El-Solh1,2,3, Erin Gould2, Keziah Aibangbee2

  • 1Sleep Disorders Research Center, Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY, USA.

PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) show promise in treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by promoting weight loss and reducing inflammation. These agents may offer a new, comprehensive approach to managing OSA and its related conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Metabolic disease research
  • Sleep medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) management traditionally relies on therapies like CPAP, oral appliances, and surgery.
  • These methods do not address the metabolic factors contributing to OSA.
  • Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are effective in managing type 2 diabetes and promoting significant weight loss.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the potential of GLP-1 RAs, specifically liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide, in managing obese patients with OSA.
  • To explore how GLP-1 RAs can complement existing OSA treatments.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of emerging clinical trials and research on GLP-1 RAs in OSA.
  • Analysis of the mechanisms by which GLP-1 RAs may impact OSA symptoms and related comorbidities.

Main Results:

  • GLP-1 RAs demonstrate efficacy in weight reduction, potentially improving OSA by decreasing upper airway fat deposition.
  • These agents may reduce systemic inflammation, a factor implicated in OSA.
  • GLP-1 RAs show promise in managing comorbidities associated with OSA, such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

Conclusions:

  • GLP-1 RAs represent a potential paradigm shift in OSA management, moving towards integrated strategies that target obesity.
  • Their use could lead to improved patient outcomes by addressing the root causes of OSA.
  • Further research is warranted to fully integrate GLP-1 RAs into OSA treatment protocols.

Related Concept Videos

Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists01:24

Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists

Incretins include glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which stimulate insulin secretion post-meals. In type 2 diabetes, GIP's efficacy is reduced, making GLP-1 a viable drug target. GIP originates from preproGIP.
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by...
298
Sleep Apnea01:21

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops intermittently during sleep, often leading to significant health issues. Each episode can last from 10 to 20 seconds or more and is frequently accompanied by a brief arousal from sleep. This disturbance, largely unnoticed by the individual, can lead to severe daytime fatigue. Commonly, individuals seek help after being informed by their partners about loud snoring and noticeable breathing pauses during sleep.
The condition is more prevalent among...
128
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones01:26

Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones

Biguanides, particularly metformin (Glucophage), are insulin sensitizers that enhance glucose uptake, thereby reducing insulin resistance. Unlike sulfonylureas, metformin doesn't prompt insulin secretion, which helps to curb hypoglycemia risk. Metformin is beneficial in treating conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome due to its insulin-resistance reduction capability. The drug's primary action involves curtailing hepatic gluconeogenesis, a significant contributor to high blood...
172
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Glinides01:06

Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Glinides

Repaglinide (Prandin) and Nateglinide (Starlix), known as glinides, are oral insulin secretagogues that stimulate insulin release from pancreatic β cells by closing the ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP channel). Repaglinide controls insulin release from pancreatic β cells by managing potassium efflux. It shares two binding sites with sulfonylureas and also has a unique site, indicating overlapping mechanisms of action. With a rapid onset and a 4-7 hour duration, it effectively...
139
Management of Insomnia01:19

Management of Insomnia

The sleep cycle, an integral part of human health, consists of several stages with distinct characteristics and functions. It begins with a transition from wakefulness to sleep, known as the light sleep phase, followed by the restorative deep sleep phase, essential for physical recovery and growth. The cycle concludes with the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase, characterized by high brain activity and vivid dreaming. Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, involves difficulty falling asleep, staying...
231
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: α-Glucosidase Inhibitors01:19

Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: α-Glucosidase Inhibitors

α-glucosidase inhibitors, including acarbose (Precose), miglitol (Glyset), and voglibose (Voglib) (primarily available in Asia), are drugs that control blood sugar levels by delaying the digestion of starch and disaccharides. They achieve this by inhibiting α-glucosidase enzymes in the intestine, which slow the absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine, which in turn leads to a prolonged release of the glucoregulatory hormone GLP-1 from intestinal L-cells.
Acarbose and miglitol are...
159