Incretin Mimetics as Potential Therapeutics for Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects millions globally, with limited treatment options.
• Neuroinflammation and secondary injury mechanisms contribute to poor TBI outcomes.
• Current TBI therapies are insufficient, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the neuroprotective potential of incretins for treating TBI.
• To evaluate incretins as a novel therapeutic approach for brain injury.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent literature on incretins and TBI.
• Analysis of experimental data from cellular and animal models.
• Consideration of existing clinical data for incretin-based diabetes treatments.

Main Results:

• Incretins (GLP-1, GIP, glucagon agonists) demonstrate potent neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties.
• Preclinical studies suggest incretins may mitigate TBI-induced damage.
• Incretins are established as safe and effective for type 2 diabetes.

Conclusions:

• Incretins represent a promising, novel therapeutic avenue for TBI.
• Their established safety profile makes them suitable for rapid clinical evaluation in TBI.
• Further human clinical trials are essential to optimize incretin therapy for concussion and TBI.