GLP-1 agonists are today better known for their effectiveness in weight loss than for their antidiabetic effect and it is estimated that in the United States, nearly one in 8 adults currently uses these drugs for their various indications. . GLP-1 agonists have even been called “wonder drugs” because of the significant weight loss they could achieve in certain patients.
If their benefits in the indications diabetes, weight loss and prevention of cardiovascular diseases are well established, their effects on the different organ systems of the body are less well known. One of the lead authors, Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, epidemiologist at WashU Medicine, explains the purpose of the study: “we managed to build a complete atlas that maps
associations of GLP-1 with all organ systems.
This mapping provides insight into the known and unknown benefits and risks of these medications, with implications for clinical care and future research.”
The study evaluates the health outcomes of more than 2 million diabetic patients taking these medications, in order to identify, through 175 health outcomes, associations with health, physical, but also cognitive and behavioral benefits as well as associations with risks increased incidence of previously unknown diseases, including pancreatitis and kidney disease, among others.
“Given the newness of the drugs and their growing popularity, it was important to systematically examine their effects on all body systems”
The approach made it possible to construct a complete atlas mapping GLP-1RA associations covering all organ systems, including:
-- significant benefits for neurological and behavioral health;
- reduced risks of seizures and dependence on substances such as alcohol, cannabis, stimulants and opioids;
- a reduced risk of suicidal ideation, self-harm, bulimia and psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.
- a decreased risk of neurocognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
What explanations, what mechanisms? GLP-1 drugs act on receptors expressed in brain areas involved in impulse control, reward and addiction, which explains their effectiveness in mental health. They also reduce inflammation in the brain, which contributes to cognitive health.
However, the analysis also highlights certain associated risks:
- an increased risk of pancreatitis, kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders, hypotension, syncope and arthritic disorders…
Although GLP-1 drugs are thus shown to be effective against a wide range of health problems, the magnitude of the benefits remains generally modest – a reduction of around 10 to 20% for most outcomes. “However, this modest effect does not negate the significant and yet untapped potential of these drugs, particularly for diseases for which few effective treatment options exist, such as dementia.”
Health
Related News :