The effects of liraglutide on glucose, inflammatory markers and lipoprotein metabolism: current knowledge and future perspectives.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 is an incretin secreted in response to nutrient ingestion. Derangements in the incretinsystem may contribute to the onset and progression of hyperglycemia in Type 2 diabetes. Liraglutide is a long-actinghuman glucagon-like peptide-1-receptor agonist suitable for once-daily administration. Blood glucose- and weightreducingeffects, improvements in pancreatic b-cell function and a low risk of hypoglycemic events have beendemonstrated with this agent. There is a trend towards improvement in the proinflammatory milieu. Liraglutidealso appears to have beneficial effects on plasma lipids and lipoproteins in the form of a reduction in total cholesterol,triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, and a concomitant increase in HDL cholesterol. These favorable effects ofliraglutide on multiple metabolic pathways may contribute to a retardation of atherosclerosis and possibly a reductionin cardiovascular risk. However, prospective studies are still needed to elucidate the clinical impact of liraglutideon cardiovascular outcomes in patients with Type 2 diabetes