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GLP-1RA Reduces Supraspinatus Fatty Infiltration and Promotes Functional Recovery in a Rat Model of Rotator Cuff
Jong Pil Yoon1, Sung-Jin Park1, Dong-Hyun Kim1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
The American Journal of Sports Medicine
|September 12, 2025
Summary
Liraglutide treatment after rotator cuff repair reduced fatty infiltration and improved shoulder function and muscle strength in rats. This suggests liraglutide may enhance recovery and quality of life post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Metabolic Research
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Rotator cuff (RC) tendon repair surgery often leads to fatty infiltration (FI) in muscles due to unloading.
- This progression negatively impacts muscle quality and shoulder function post-surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of liraglutide in mitigating fatty infiltration and enhancing muscle quality and function following RC tendon repair in a rat model.
Main Methods:
- A controlled laboratory study involving 40 rats undergoing RC tendon repair.
- Liraglutide (250 µg/kg) was administered for 12 weeks post-surgery.
- Evaluations included Oil Red O staining for FI, gene expression analysis, range of motion tests, wire hanging tests, and electromyography for shoulder function and muscle strength.
Main Results:
- Liraglutide treatment significantly reduced fatty infiltration and body mass index without increasing muscle atrophy or altering fat browning markers.
- Significant improvements were observed in muscle strength and compound muscle action potential (CMAP) in the liraglutide group.
- While internal rotation improved early, external rotation showed later improvement, indicating functional recovery.
Conclusions:
- Systemic liraglutide administration effectively suppresses fatty infiltration post-RC repair without causing muscle loss.
- Liraglutide demonstrates significant potential to improve shoulder function and muscle quality, offering a promising clinical strategy for postoperative management, especially in obese patients.
