Anti-inflammatory effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in coronary artery disease: a comprehensive review

Coronary artery disease (CAD)—cardiovascular condition occuring due to atherosclerotic plaque accumulation in the epicardial arteries—is responsible for disabilities of millions of people worldwide and remains the most common single cause of death. Inflammation is the primary pathological mechanism underlying CAD, since is involved in atherosclerotic plaque formation. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a peptide hormone which role extends beyond well-known carbohydrates metabolism. In in vitro studies GLP-1 receptor agonism is associated with regulation of several inflammatory pathways, including cytokine production, lypotoxicity and macrophages differentiation. In this review, we aimed to provide a comprehensive summary of the potential relationship between anti-inflammatory effects of GLP-1 and CAD. We have described a well-established association of anti-inflammatory properties of GLP-1 and atherosclerosis in animals. Pre-clinical studies showed that anti-atherogenic effect of GLP-1 is independent of modulation of plasma lipid levels and depends on anti-inflammatory response. Human studies in this area are limited by small sample size and often nonrandomized character. However, beneficial impact of GLP-1 on endothelial function and microcirculatory integrity in patients with CAD have been described. Understanding atherosclerosis as a chronic inflammatory disease offers new opportunities for the prevention and treatment of CAD. Therefore, we emphasize the need for larger randomized controlled trials focusing on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality to verify the cardioprotective properties of GLP-1R agonists in patients with CAD.