Influence of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on renal parameters: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

To verify the influence of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) on renal function parameters in type 2 diabetes based on well-known randomized controlled trials (RCTs). PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Embase, and grey literature were searched for RCTs published until December 24, 2024. The quality of the RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for continuous variables using meta-analysis. The primary outcomes were composite renal function parameters, including serum creatinine (Cr) levels, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urinary albumin excretion (UAE), and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR). Pooled data from 24 studies revealed that GLP-1 RA positively influenced renal outcomes in the type 2 diabetes group to some extent compared with that in the control group. GLP- 1 RA decreased serum creatinine levels (WMD=-0.10, 95%CI -0.19 to -0.01, I2 = 33%, P < 0.05), eGFR(WMD = 0.54, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.90, I2 = 27%, P < 0.05), UAE (WMD=-11.92, 95% CI − 23.50 to − 0.33, I2 = 0%, P < 0.05) and UACR (WMD: −1.01 mg/g, 95% CI:−1.68, -0.34, I2 = 15%, P < 0.05) in the type 2 diabetes group. GLP-1 RA treatment significantly elevated eGFR, decreased the UACR, and positively influenced renal function outcomes in the type 2 diabetes group. Not applicable.