The Effect of GLP-1 Agonist Treatment On Subclinical Atherosclerosis

Introduction: Although GLP-1 agonists have been shown to reduce cardiovascular events, their effect on the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis is not clear. In this respect, it was planned to evaluate cardiovascular risk markers in obese and diabetic patients receiving exenatide therapy. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 56 patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) with a body mass index (BMI) >35. Demographic, anthropometric and clinic characteristics before and after six-month treatment with exenatide were screened. Cardiovascular risk marker Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), uric acid, carotis intima media thickness (CIMT), HbA1c, fasting blood glucose (FBS) and postprandial blood glucose (TCG) levels were evaluated. Results: Eleven of the fifty-six patients had discontinued exenatide due to side effects, etc. 45 patients (35 females, 10 males; age 50 ± 9.5 years) completed the study. AIP, HbA1c, uric acid, fasting plasma glucose, postprandial glucose, waist circumference, hip circumference, body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were improved with exenatide treatment. However, no change was detected in CIMT, blood pressure, spot urine albumin/creatinine ratio, LDL, and HDL levels. Conclusion: Glycemic parameters, AIP and uric acid levels, which are biochemical predictors of subclinical atherosclerosis, were improved with GLP-1 agonist exetide treatment. However, no change was observed in CIMT measurements. These findings can be interpreted as exenatide therapy, can slow down the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis, but has no effect on existing atherosclerotic plaque.