GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Beyond Their Pancreatic Effects

The document discusses the therapeutic applications of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists beyond their known effects on the pancreas. The research suggests these agonists show neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases models, suppress pain hypersensitivity, and offer cardiovascular protection in arterial hypertension models. They also reduce cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes patients. GLP-1 receptor agonists like Dulaglutide, Liraglutide, and Semaglutide have been found to prevent Ox-LDL-induced adhesion of monocytes to human endothelial cells, reduce atherosclerosis, inhibit endothelial cell dysfunction, and lower blood pressure. They also show potential in managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) by reducing obesity and insulin resistance. Furthermore, these agonists modulate appetite, taste preference, gut hormones, and regional body fat stores in adults with obesity, and show potential in lowering body weight in overweight or obese adults without diabetes. They also have effects on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), reducing hepatic lipotoxicity and inflammatory response, and show potential in cancer treatment. However, there are concerns about the risk of acute pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer associated with their use. The document does not provide specific numbers of participants involved in the studies.