Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) are established treatment options for type 2 diabetes and obesity. This class of medications has redefined care by lowering glucose, reducing body weight, and improving cardiovascular outcomes. Beyond metabolic benefits, accumulating evidence indicates that GLP-1RA exert direct anti-inflammatory effects across multiple organ systems. Chronic inflammation is a driving force behind many prevalent diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and inflammatory bowel disease. This review summarizes the current evidence of the anti-inflammatory effects of GLP-1RA, highlighting data from preclinical models and clinical trials across different diseases. By targeting both metabolic and inflammatory pathways, GLP-1RA may offer dual cardiometabolic and immunomodulatory protection, positioning these agents as promising candidates for broader therapeutic applications. However, several key questions remain regarding causality, the precise molecular mechanisms involved, and the extent to which these anti-inflammatory effects can be translated into effective therapies for non-metabolic inflammatory diseases.
Quintana et al. (Sat,) studied this question.