Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are recently discovered antidiabetic drugs with potent hypoglycemic effects. Among different mechanisms of activity, these compounds were shown to reduce blood glucose by suppression of glucagon secretion and stimulation of glucose-dependent insulin secretion. These antidiabetic agents have a minor risk of hypoglycemia and have been suggested as a second-line therapy to be added to metformin treatment to further optimize glycemic control in diabetes. More recently, scientific evidence suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists may particularly afford protection from diabetic nephropathy through modulation of the molecular pathways involved in renal impairment and so improve renal function. This additional benefit adds further weight for these compounds to become promising drugs not only for glycemic control but also to prevent diabetic complications. In this review, we have updated evidence on the beneficial effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on diabetic nephropathy and detailed the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.
Highlights
The global prevalence of all types of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing [1]
These antidiabetic agents have a minor risk of hypoglycemia and have been suggested as second-line therapy to be added to metformin treatment to optimize glycemic control in diabetes [7]
We have presented the evidence for the beneficial effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on diabetic nephropathy and detailed the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in its pathophysiology
Summary
The global prevalence of all types of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing [1]. This metabolic disorder is accompanied by deteriorating metabolism of glucose and lipids and amino acids [1, 2]. DM is associated with other pathophysiologic molecular mechanisms including oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and apoptosis. BioMed Research International [5, 6] These antidiabetic agents have a minor risk of hypoglycemia and have been suggested as second-line therapy to be added to metformin treatment to optimize glycemic control in diabetes [7]. We have presented the evidence for the beneficial effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on diabetic nephropathy and detailed the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in its pathophysiology. These agents may provide further protection of the kidney by indirect and “pleiotropic” effects in addition to optimizing glycemic control [12]
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