The current significance and prospects for the use of dual receptor agonism GLP-1/Glucagon.

The therapeutic arsenal for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been enriched recently with the inclusion of type 1 glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1). GLP-1 receptor agonists (RA) secondarily reduce appetite, decrease gastric emptying, and reduce body weight. This effect has been used to treat overweight/obesity, especially with comorbidities associated with T2DM. However, the first formulations and adverse effects gradually gave way to new formulations with fewer unpleasant effects and a more extended period of action (weekly subcutaneous administration and even oral administration), which improved the acceptance and adherence to the treatment. Therefore, titration of GLP-1RA should be done gradually. Furthermore, when side effects are consistent and intolerable after weeks/months of titration, a lower dose or a combination of antidiabetic therapies should be implemented, avoiding treatment interruption. The effort to produce increasingly powerful molecules with fewer side effects is the driving force behind the pharmaceutical industry. The unimolecular dual agonism GLP-1RA plus glucagon receptor agonism (GRA) represents an updated pharmacological indication for controlling blood glucose levels in treating T2DM and its comorbidities, showing better effects with less adverse impact than mono GLP-1RA. There are currently different proposals in this way by different laboratories. Nevertheless, the experimental results are promising and show that soon, we will have the contribution of new drugs for the treatment of T2DM.

GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists in the treatment of Parkinson's disease: Translational systematic review and meta-analysis protocol of clinical and preclinical studies.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive multifactorial neurodegenerative condition. Epidemiological studies have shown that patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM2) are at increased risk for developing PD, indicating a possible insulin-modulating role in this latter condition. We hypothesized that drugs similar to glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), used in the treatment of T2DM2, may play a role in PD. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to systematically review and meta-analyze data of preclinical and clinical studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of GLP-1 and GIP drugs in the treatment of PD. METHODS: Two reviewers will independently evaluate the studies available in the Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cinahl, and Lilacs databases. Preclinical rodent or non-human primate studies and randomized controlled human clinical trials will be included, without language or publication period restrictions. Outcomes of interest in preclinical studies will be primarily locomotor improvements and adverse effects in animal models of PD. For clinical trials, we will evaluate clinical improvements rated by the Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale-parts I, II, III, and IV, and adverse effects. The risk of bias of preclinical studies will be assessed by the SYRCLE tool and CAMARADES checklist and the clinical studies by the Cochrane tool; the certainty of the evidence will be rated by GRADE. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: There is an urge for new PD treatments that may slow the progression of the disease rather than just restoring dopamine levels. This study will comprehensively review and update the state of the art of what is known about incretin hormones and PD and highlight the strengths and limitations of translating preclinical data to the clinic whenever possible. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration number CRD42020223435.

Nuevos hipoglucemiantes en el cuidado de las personas con diabetes tipo 2: por fin hay un avance / New hypoglycemic agents in the care of people with diabetes: finally, there is a breakthrough

En este artículo, la autora jerarquiza la relevancia de la eficacia documentada de los agonistas del péptido similar alglucagón-1 y los inhibidores del cotransportador sodio-glucosa tipo 2, que ha conducido a recientes modificaciones en el paradigma del cuidado en los pacientes con diabetes tipo 2. (AU)

In this article, the author highlights the relevance of the documented efficacy of glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists and type 2 sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors, which has led to recent changes in the paradigm of care in patients with type 2diabetes. (AU)

Prevention of pentylenetetrazole-induced kindling and behavioral comorbidities in mice by levetiracetam combined with the GLP-1 agonist liraglutide: Involvement of brain antioxidant and BDNF upregulating properties.

Kindling is a model for studying epileptogenesis and associated neuropsychiatric conditions. The antiepileptic drug levetiracetam (LEV) presents anti-kindling properties, but some severe neuropsychiatric events, especially depression, have been associated with its use in epileptic patients. The positive modulation of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors emerged as a potential target for the treatment of epilepsy and other neurological disorders. Here, we investigated behavioral and neurochemical effects of liraglutide (LIRA), a GLP-1 receptor agonist, alone or combined with LEV in mice subjected to PTZ-induced kindling. Male mice received PTZ on alternate days for 21 days. Before PTZ, the animals received LIRA, LEV (alone or in combination with LIRA) or saline. After seizures staging according to Racine's scale, behavioral evaluations were performed to verify anxiety-, depressive-like and cognitive performance. Brain oxidative alterations and BDNF levels were also measured. LEV showed anti-kindling properties, but aggravated depressive-like behavior in PTZ-kindling. In control conditions, LEV induced a pro-depressant effect and impaired avoidance memory retention. LIRA delayed but did not prevent the full kindling development. LIRA prevented the depressive-like behavior induced by PTZ kindling and PTZ + LEV. LEV + LIRA protected against PTZ-induced anxiety-like alterations and impairments in locomotion and cognition. Furthermore, LEV + LIRA reduced nitrite levels and lipid peroxidation in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, while it increased reduced glutathione levels in all evaluated brain areas. LIRA or LEV + LIRA increased hippocampal BDNF levels. In conclusion, our results showed that LIRA can be a promising adjunctive therapy for epilepsy-related neuropsychiatric comorbidities and to improve the management of antiepileptic drug associated behavioral adverse effects.

The effect of glucagon-like peptide 1 and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists on energy expenditure: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: We reviewed clinical trials addressing the effect of glucacon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) or GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) on energy expenditure (EE) in adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed, Science Direct and Web of Science were searched for clinical trials investigating the effect of GLP-1 or GLP-1RA on EE in adults. RESULTS: Ten trials (93 participants) assessed the effect of GLP-1 administration over 1 to 48 h and found no change in resting EE (REE). Two out of three trials (62 participants) reported a significant decrease in diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT) following GLP-1 administration. Ten trials with exenatide (10 µg bid, for 10-52 weeks) or liraglutide (0.6, 1.2, 1.8 or 3 mg, for 3 days-52 weeks), with a total of 282 participants, indicated a neutral effect of these GLP-1RA on REE, DIT or physical activity-induced EE. Importantly, the longest trial with GLP-1RA reported a significant increase in REE in response to treatment with both exenatide or liraglutide and most trials reported that GLP-1RA-induced weight loss was not accompanied by decreased REE. CONCLUSIONS: This review indicates that GLP-1 has no short-term effect on REE but may decrease DIT. The GLP-1RA exenatide and liraglutide have a neutral effect on REE, although it is not possible to rule out an increase in REE following prolonged treatment.

Incretin-based therapies for obesity treatment.

Currently, obesity and its associated complications are considered major public health problems worldwide. Because the causes are multifactorial and complex, different treatment methods are used, which include diet and exercise, as well as the use of drugs, although they can have adverse side effects. A new target for the treatment of obesity may be the incretin system, which consists of hormones that seem to contribute to weight loss. In this sense, some studies have shown a relationship between weight loss and drugs related to incretin system, including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. The objective of this review is to summarize the association between the incretin system and obesity treatment.

Preoperative use of incretins is associated with increased diabetes remission after RYGB surgery among patients taking insulin: a retrospective cohort analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The main goal of this study was to determine the effects of incretins on type 2 diabetes (T2D) remission after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery for patients taking insulin. BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease with potentially debilitating consequences. RYGB surgery is one of the few interventions that can remit T2D. Preoperative use of insulin, however, predisposes to significantly lower T2D remission rates. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of 690 T2D patients with at least 12 months follow-up and available electronic medical records was used to identify 37 T2D patients who were actively using a Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonist in addition to another antidiabetic medication, during the preoperative period. RESULTS: Here, we report that use of insulin, along with other antidiabetic medications, significantly diminished overall T2D remission rates 14 months after RYGB surgery (9%) compared with patients not taking insulin (56%). Addition of the GLP-1 agonist, however, increased significantly T2D early remission rates (22%), compared with patients not taking the GLP-1 agonist (4%). Moreover, the 6-year remission rates were also significantly higher for the former group of patients. The GLP-1 agonist did not improve the remission rates of diabetic patients not taking insulin as part of their pharmacotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative use of antidiabetic medication, coupled with an incretin agonist, could significantly improve the odds of T2D remission after RYGB surgery in patients also using insulin.

Diabetes mellitus: Novas perspectivas terapêuticas / Diabetes Mellitus: new perspectives therapeutic

O diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) apresenta alta prevalência, com aumento inclusive em crianças e adolescentes. A importância de um estrito controle glicêmico pode ser comprovada com a redução das complicações crônicas microvasculares. Já em relação à redução da doença macrovascular, principal causa de mortalidade nestes pacientes, são fundamentais o controle da glicemia, bem como de outros fatores de risco cardiovasculares, tais como hipertensão arterial, dislipidemia, peso, e a manutenção de hábitos saudáveis de vida. Temos vários medicamentos para o tratamento do DM2, sendo que a metformina é ainda a droga de primeira escolha, devido ao seu baixo custo e eficácia comprovada...

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is highly prevalent and is increasing even in children and adolescents. The importance of strict glycemic control can be proven to reduce chronic microvascular complications. Regarding the reduction of macrovascular disease, the leading cause of mortality in these patients, it is essential tight glycemic control, as well as other cardiovascular risk factors, such as arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, weight control, and maintaining healthy lifestyles. We have a lot of drugs for the treatment of DM2, and metformin is still the drug of first choice due to its low cost and proven effectiveness...

Effect of vildagliptin on glucose and insulin concentrations during a 24-hour period in type 2 diabetes patients with different ranges of baseline hemoglobin A1c levels.

BACKGROUND: Currently, it is still unknown whether differences in glycemic control have any effect on glucose and insulin kinetics after vildagliptin administration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vildagliptin on glucose and insulin concentrations during a 24-h period in type 2 diabetes patients with different ranges of baseline hemoglobin A1c (A1C) levels. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out in 12 drug-naive adult volunteers with type 2 diabetes and overweight or obesity. Subjects had fasting glucose values between 7.2 and 13.3 mmol/L. Six patients had A1C between 7.0% and 8.4% (Group A), and the remaining subjects had A1C between 8.5% and 10.0% (Group B). Patients received oral administration of vildagliptin (50 mg twice daily) or placebo in a crossover manner for two consecutive days. Until the second day of the interventions, glucose and insulin concentrations were measured every hour during a 24-h period, and areas under the curve (AUCs) were calculated. Statistical analyses were evaluated with Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: There were significant decreases in glucose concentrations after vildagliptin administration in both groups when comparing placebo in all measurements throughout the 24-h period and in the AUC. There were no significant changes in insulin concentration in both groups after vildagliptin administration when comparing placebo in all measurements throughout the 24-h period and in the AUC. CONCLUSIONS: Vildagliptin administration improved glucose control during a 24-h period in type 2 diabetes patients, independent of the basal A1C level, without changes in insulin levels.

Incretinas, incretinomiméticos, inhibidores de DPP IV: (2ª parte) / Incretins, Incretinmimetics, Inhibitors (2nd part)

En los últimos años se reconoce un nuevo mecanismo involucrado en la fisiopatología de la Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2: el déficit de producción y/o acción de las incretinas. Las incretinas son enterohormonas que estimulan la secreción de insulina en respuesta a la ingesta de nutrientes. Glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP1) y Polipéptido insulinotrópico glucosa dependiente (GIP) son las principales incretinas descubiertas hasta hoy. Ambas presentan también efecto trófico sobre las células beta de los islotes pancreáticos. GLP-1 presenta otras acciones como son la inhibición de la secreción de glucagón, enlentecimiento del vaciamiento gástrico e inhibición del apetito. Ambas incretinas son rápidamente clivadas por la enzima dipeptidil peptidasa 4 (DPP-4). Nuevas drogas como los incretinomiméticos, análogos y los inhibidores de DPP-4 se presentan como una terapéutica prometedora para los pacientes con diabetes tipo 2. Conflicto de intereses: Dr. León Litwak - Miembro del Board Latinoamericano de Eli Lilly y Sanofi Aventis - Miembro del Board Nacional de los laboratorios Novo Nordisk, Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi Aventis, Boheringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers, Astra Zeneca - Investigador principal de protocolos pertenecientes a Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline, Takeda, PPDF, Pfizer, Merck Sharp and Dôhme, Amger, Roche, Minimed, Quintiles - Conferencista de los laboratorios mencionados.

Two main pathophysiological mechanisms are currently involved in Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM), insulin resistance and impairment of beta cell function. However, in recent years a new mechanism was reported: a significant decrease in incretins production and/or action. Incretins are gastrointestinal hormones whose main action is stimulating insulin secretion in response to nutrients. The best known incretins are glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and Gastric insulinotropic peptide (GIP). GLP-1 and GIP not only increase insulin secretion, but also decrease glucagon secretion, slow gastric emptying and reduce apetite, generating weight loss. Both incretins are rapidly clived by the enzyme dipeptidil peptidase 4 (DPP4). In order to emulate incretins action, several drugs were developed: GLP-1 receptor agonists, GLP-1 mimetics, and DPP4 inhibitors. All of them seem to became a very promising tool for the treatment of T2DM. Financial Interests: Dr. León Litwak - Member of the Latin American Board of Eli Lilly and Sanofi Aventis - Member of the National Board of the following laboratories: Novo Nordisk, Novartis, GlaxoSmithKlein Sanofi, Aventis, Boheringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers, Astra Zeneca - Principal Investigator of Protocols from: Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, GlaxoSmithKlein, Takeda, PPDF, Pfizer, Merck Sharp and Dôhme, Amgen, Roche, Minimed, Quintiles - Lecturer for the former laboratories.

New treatments for type 2 diabetes mellitus: combined therapy with sitagliptin.

BACKGROUND: Sitagliptin is a highly selective oral dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor. This drug increases the plasma concentration of active glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide. These two hormones then simulate the secretion of insulin in a glucose-dependent manner and inhibit glucagon secretion, thus reducing circulating glucose levels. In animal models, GLP-1 increases beta-cell mass. OBJECTIVE: To review the efficacy and safety of sitagliptin in combined therapies (as add on or initial combination treatment) in type 2 diabetes. METHODS: A Medline search on published clinical trials involving sitagliptin in combined therapies was performed; additional information from published papers and abstracts to congresses on preclinical and basic science issues was also included to support the mechanistic rationale of combinations. RESULTS/CONCLUSION: In humans sitagliptin administration reduces fasting and postprandial glucose and A1c levels. Sitagliptin is as effective as glipizide (close to 0.7% mean A1c reduction), but has fewer hypoglycemic events than other oral insulin secretagogues. Since metformin reduces hepatic glucose production and increases GLP-1 release, combined therapy with sitagliptin becomes complementary and has been shown to have important additive effects. Sitagliptin combined with pioglitazone resulted in improved metabolic control when compared with pioglitazone plus placebo. Combined administration with insulin requires further studies. The weight neutral effect of sitagliptin, its glucose-dependent action (lower risk of hypoglycemia), the beneficial effects on beta-cell function and its eventual protective action on beta-cell mass makes it an excellent option for monotherapy or combined with metformin, glitazones or even sulfonylurea.