Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 17, 2026
Rating L-DOPA-Induced Dyskinesias in the Unilaterally 6-OHDA-Lesioned Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease
Published on: October 4, 2021
GLP-1 receptor agonists in Parkinson's disease progression: a meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis of
Wen-Wen Tsai1, Kuan-Hsien Lu1, Jheng-Yan Wu2,3
1Department of Neurology, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.
Background:
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have emerged as potential neuroprotective agents for Parkinson's disease (PD). However, evidence regarding their efficacy remains inconclusive.
Objective:
To assess the therapeutic effects and safety profile of GLP-1 RAs in patients with mild-to-moderate PD. We aim to conduct an updated systematic review to evaluate the effects of GLP-1 RAs in patients with mild-to-moderate PD.
Design:
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with trial sequential analysis (TSA) and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations certainty assessment.
Data Sources:
PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched through April 14, 2025.
Methods:
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs with TSA comparing GLP-1 RAs to placebo in patients with mild-to-moderate PD. The primary outcome was change in the Movement Disorder Society-unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) scores.
Results:
Five RCTs involving a total of 708 nondiabetic patients with mild-to-moderate PD were included. GLP-1 RAs significantly attenuated motor symptom progression, as evidenced by a mean difference in MDS-UPDRS Part III (off medication) of -2.06 (95% confidence interval (CI): -4.09; -0.03; I 2 = 56%), with conclusive evidence supported by TSA. No statistically significant improvements were observed in other MDS-UPDRS domains, levodopa equivalent daily dose reduction, or functional scales (Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39, Non-Motor Symptoms Scale for Parkinson's Disease, UDysRS). A nonsignificant trend toward increased serious adverse events or treatment discontinuation was observed (odds ratio = 1.52; 95% CI: 0.66; 3.50), with low heterogeneity. TSA for secondary outcomes indicated that additional trials are required.
Conclusion:
GLP-1 RAs may provide a modest benefit in slowing motor progression in PD. However, their effects on nonmotor symptoms, medication use, and long-term safety remain uncertain due to the limited number of available trials. Further large-scale, long-duration trials are warranted.
Trial Registration:
INPLASY2024110119.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Parkinson's Disease: Treatment
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of...
01:15Parkinson's Disease: Overview
01:24Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists
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...
01:37Neural Regulation