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Targeting Diabetic Atherosclerosis: The Role of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists, SGLT2 Inhibitors, and Nonsteroidal

Merita Rroji1,2, Nereida Spahia2, Andreja Figurek3

  • 1Department of Nephrology, University of Medicine Tirana, 1001 Tirana, Albania.

Biomedicines
|March 28, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Novel diabetes drugs like SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists, along with nsMRAs, show promise in preventing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease by improving metabolic health and reducing inflammation.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Endocrinology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Atherosclerosis is a major complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), exacerbated by hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia.
  • Key pathological drivers include endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress, contributing to cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the molecular mechanisms by which novel antidiabetic agents may prevent atherosclerosis and CVD.
  • To explore the cardiovascular protective effects of SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 agonists, and nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (nsMRAs).

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of preclinical and clinical evidence.
  • Analysis of molecular pathways related to endothelial function, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

Main Results:

  • SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists improve glycemic control and reduce major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and heart failure hospitalizations.
  • These agents, alongside nsMRAs, demonstrate potential in mitigating metabolic disorders and their vascular impact.

Conclusions:

  • Novel antidiabetic therapies offer significant cardiovascular protection beyond glycemic control.
  • These drugs represent a promising therapeutic strategy for managing atherosclerosis and CVD in patients with diabetes.
Keywords:
atherosclerosisdiabetic kidney diseaseendothelial dysfunctioninflammationoxidative stress

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