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The effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists on circulating inflammatory markers in type 2 diabetes patients: A systematic
Yifan Ren1,2,3,4, Yuzhang Chen1,2,3,4, Wenbin Zheng1,2,3,4
1Department of Endocrinology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Aim:
To investigate whether the antidiabetic agent glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) can exert anti-inflammatory effects while lowering blood glucose, we performed a meta-analysis and systematic review.
Methods:
We searched 4 online databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and the Web of Science) for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that examined changes after GLP-1RAs intervention in commonly accepted biomarkers of inflammation: C-reactive protein (CRP), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), leptin, adiponectin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), monocyte chemotactic protein-1(MCP-1) and advanced glycation end products (AGEs).
Results:
This meta-analysis included 52 eligible RCTs (n = 4734) with a median follow-up of 24 weeks, a mean age of 54.13 years, 44.46% females, body mass index (BMI) 29.80 kg/m2, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 8.28% and diabetes duration 7.27 years. GLP-1 RAs treatment, compared to placebo or conventional diabetes therapies (including oral medicine and insulin), resulted in significant reductions in CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and leptin (standard mean difference [SMD] -0.63 [-1.03, -0.23]; SMD -0.92 [-1.57, -0.27]; SMD -0.76 [-1.32, -0.20], SMD -3.89 [-6.56, -1.22], SMD -0.67 [-1.09, -0.26], respectively), as well as significant increases in adiponectin (SMD 0.69 [0.19, 1.19]).
Conclusions:
Our meta-analysis demonstrates that GLP-1 RAs exert significant anti-inflammatory effects in patients with T2DM. Our findings provide important insights that may guide the therapeutic application of GLP-1 RAs and inform the development of related therapies.
Insights
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) significantly reduce inflammation markers like CRP and IL-6 in type 2 diabetes patients. This study highlights GLP-1 RAs as a potential therapeutic strategy for managing inflammation alongside blood glucose control.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with chronic inflammation.
- Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are established antidiabetic agents.
- The anti-inflammatory potential of GLP-1 RAs requires further investigation.
Conclusions:
- GLP-1 RAs demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory properties in patients with T2DM.
- These findings support the use of GLP-1 RAs for managing inflammation in T2DM.
- The results may inform future therapeutic strategies involving GLP-1 RAs.
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