Screening for Inflammatory Markers Identifies IL-18Rα as a Potential Link between Exenatide and Its Anti-Inflammatory Effect: New Results from the Combat-JUDO Randomized Controlled Trial
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Published:2023
Issue:6
Volume:79
Page:522-527
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ISSN:0250-6807
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Container-title:Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism
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language:en
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Short-container-title:Ann Nutr Metab
Author:
Stenlid Rasmus,Cerenius Sara Y.,Manell Hannes,Küçükemre Aydin Banu,Mörwald Katharina,Gomahr Julian,Höghammar Mitkas Marina,Eriksson Ida,Ciba Iris,Geiersberger Sabine,Thivel David,Weghuber Daniel,Bergsten Peter,Forslund Anders
Abstract
<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Obesity is associated with chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation has also been linked to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, metabolic associated fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disease. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor analogs (GLP-1RA) are clinically used to treat obesity, with known anti-inflammatory properties. How the GLP-1RA exenatide effects inflammation in adolescents with obesity is not fully investigated. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Forty-four patients were randomized to receive weekly subcutaneous injections with either 2 mg exenatide or placebo for 6 months. Plasma samples were collected at baseline and at the end of the study, and 92 inflammatory proteins were measured. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Following treatment with exenatide, 15 out of the 92 proteins were decreased, and one was increased. However, after adjustment for multiple testing, only IL-18Rα was significantly lowered following treatment. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Weekly injections with 2 mg of exenatide lowers circulating IL-18Rα in adolescents with obesity, which may be a potential link between exenatide and its anti-inflammatory effect in vivo. This contributes to exenatide’s pharmaceutical potential as a treatment for obesity beyond weight control and glucose tolerance, and should be further studied mechanistically.
Subject
Nutrition and Dietetics,Medicine (miscellaneous)