The discovery and development of GLP-1 based drugs that have revolutionized the treatment of obesity

Renoprotective mechanisms of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone, secreted from gut endocrine cells, which acts to potentiate nutrient-induced insulin secretion. Activation of its receptor, GLP-1R, decreases glucagon secretion and gastric emptying, thereby decreasing blood glucose and body weight. It is largely through these mechanisms that Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have transformed the treatment of type 2 diabetes. More recently, preclinical and clinical studies have reported that these agents have potent extra-pancreatic effects, exhibiting cardioprotective and renoprotective actions. The recent FLOW trial was the first multicentre clinical trial investigating the effect of GLP-1RAs on a primary renal outcome and reported robust evidence that GLP-1RAs are renoprotective. Studies in rodent models of renal injury have shown that gain and loss of GLP-1R signalling improves or deteriorates kidney function. However, the precise mechanisms responsible for renal benefits of GLP-1RAs are not yet fully understood. While prolonged activation of GLP-1 receptors (GLP-1R) has been shown to reverse diabetes-related disruptions in gene expression across various renal cell populations, GLP-1R expression in both rodent and human kidneys is thought to be primarily confined to certain vascular smooth muscle cells. This review discusses recent advances in our understanding of the effects of GLP-1 medicines on the kidney with a focus on indirect and direct mechanisms of action.

Intestinal stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase-inhibition improves obesity-associated metabolic disorders

Stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1) catalyzes the rate-limiting step of de novo lipogenesis and modulates lipid homeostasis. Although numerous SCD1 inhibitors were tested for treating metabolic disorders both in preclinical and clinic studies, the tissue-specific roles of SCD1 in modulating obesity-associated metabolic disorders and determining the pharmacological effect of chemical SCD1 inhibition remain unclear. Here a novel role for intestinal SCD1 in obesity-associated metabolic disorders was uncovered. Intestinal SCD1 was found to be induced during obesity progression both in humans and mice. Intestine-specific, but not liver-specific, SCD1 deficiency reduced obesity and hepatic steatosis. A939572, an SCD1-specific inhibitor, ameliorated obesity and hepatic steatosis dependent on intestinal, but not hepatic, SCD1. Mechanistically, intestinal SCD1 deficiency impeded obesity-induced oxidative stress through its novel function of inducing metallothionein 1 in intestinal epithelial cells. These results suggest that intestinal SCD1 could be a viable target that underlies the pharmacological effect of chemical SCD1 inhibition in the treatment of obesity-associated metabolic disorders.

Glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists and cardiometabolic protection: historical development and future challenges

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have revolutionized the treatment of cardiometabolic diseases, extending their therapeutic applications far beyond glycemic control in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity. This editorial synthesizes key milestones, from the discovery of GLP-1 to recent clinical trials highlighting the pleiotropic effects of GLP-1RAs in addressing the interconnected spectrum of cardiometabolic conditions, with a focus on cardiovascular, renal, and hepatic benefits. In addition, as GLP-1RAs continue to reshape the management of cardiometabolic disease and global public health, we discuss future challenges to better elucidate their mechanisms of cardiometabolic protection and maximize their therapeutic potential.

Evaluating the effectiveness of mandibular advancement devices in treating very severe obstructive sleep apnea: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The repeated airway obstructions in the common disorder Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) cause health risks. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), the standard treatment, faces adherence challenges. Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs) have been used successfully for mild to moderate OSA, as a good alternative for these patients.

OBJECTIVE

to evaluate the effectiveness of MADs in reducing the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) and improving symptoms in patients with very severe OSA unable to tolerate CPAP.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 22 patients with very severe OSA (AHI ≥ 50) treated with MADs. Baseline characteristics, including: age, sex, BMI, and AHI, were recorded, and changes in AHI following treatment were assessed. Adherence was monitored using patient-reported data. Unlike previous studies, this research focuses exclusively on the efficacy of MADs in treating patients with very severe OSA, a population often excluded from similar inspections.

RESULTS

median AHI significantly decreased from 60.0 (IQR: 57.0-65.0) to 15.0 (IQR: 10.0-24.0) after treatment (P < 0.001), with a mean reduction of 72.5% (± 14.3). Notably, 95.5% of patients achieved at least a 50% reduction in AHI. Symptom improvements, including reduced snoring and daytime tiredness, were reported by 72.7% of patients. BMI positively correlated with baseline AHI, and significant AHI reductions were observed across overweight and obese categories, although some patients remained in the severe AHI range post-treatment. Adherence varied, with 63.6% continuing to use the device.

CONCLUSIONS

MADs are effective in managing very severe OSA, providing significant reductions in AHI and symptom improvements. MADs may be a viable alternative for patients unable to tolerate CPAP. Further investigations into the long-term efficacy and impact on quality of life are needed.