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GLP-1 receptor agonists and inflammatory pathway modulation: Dual targeting of metabolic and immune dysfunction in
Murtala A Ngabea1, Igbayilola Yusuff Dimeji2
1Department of Medicine Maitama District Hospital/ College of Medicine Baze University, Abuja, Nigeria.
Abstract:
Because of their extensive effects on glycaemic management and weight loss, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are showing promise as therapeutic agents in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. Their therapeutic use over the past few years is no longer restricted to glucose metabolism only, but increasingly, more evidence is suggesting their anti-inflammatory actions. Low-grade inflammation for prolonged periods is a important participant in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. It has been demonstrated that GLP-1RAs influence immune functions and suppress inflammation via influencing key signalling pathways, such as c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and the nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich-containing family, pyrin domain-containing-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. These signaling pathways are involved in cellular stress responses and cytokine production resulting in insulin resistance. By modulating both inflammatory and metabolic targets, GLP-1RAs are a potential class of immunometabolic modulators. This mini-review emphasizes the dual impact of GLP-1RAs and their therapeutic application in the overall management of insulin resistance and metabolic disorders.
Insights
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) show promise for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity by improving glycaemic control and reducing inflammation. These agents act as immunometabolic modulators, impacting key inflammatory pathways involved in insulin resistance.
Area of Science:
- Immunometabolism
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are established treatments for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity, primarily for their effects on glycaemic control and weight loss.
- Emerging evidence highlights the anti-inflammatory properties of GLP-1RAs, suggesting a role beyond glucose metabolism.
- Chronic low-grade inflammation is a key factor in the development of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the dual impact of GLP-1RAs on both inflammatory and metabolic pathways.
- To emphasize the potential of GLP-1RAs as immunometabolic modulators in managing metabolic disorders.
- To highlight the therapeutic applications of GLP-1RAs in insulin resistance and related conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on GLP-1RAs, inflammation, and metabolic disorders.
- Analysis of studies investigating the effects of GLP-1RAs on immune cell signaling pathways.
- Synthesis of evidence on the modulation of key inflammatory mediators by GLP-1RAs.
Main Results:
- GLP-1RAs influence immune functions and suppress inflammation by modulating signaling pathways like JNK, NF-κB, and NLRP3 inflammasome.
- These pathways are implicated in cellular stress responses and cytokine production, contributing to insulin resistance.
- GLP-1RAs demonstrate a dual action, affecting both inflammatory and metabolic targets.
Conclusions:
- GLP-1RAs possess significant anti-inflammatory effects that complement their metabolic benefits.
- By targeting key inflammatory pathways, GLP-1RAs can help manage insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.
- GLP-1RAs represent a promising class of immunometabolic modulators for comprehensive patient care.
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