Endothelial Function in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: The Role of GLP-1 Agonists, Lipoprotein Subfractions, and Redox Balance.

Hardonova M, Siarnik P, Sivakova M, Sucha B, Penesova A, Radikova Z, Havranova A, Imrich R, Vlcek M, Zitnanova I, Krastev G, Kiacikova M, Kollar B, Turcani P

International journal of molecular sciences6 Jul 2023Cited by 10 (Europe PMC)

PMID37446338PMCIDPMC10342844DOI10.3390/ijms241311162PepBankPUB-37446338

Download PDF PubMedAsk about this study

Jump to 3 results

Summary

IntroductionEpidemiological studies have suggested an increased vascular risk in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). There is increasing evidence of the beneficial effects of GLP-1 agonists (GLP-1a) in preventing vascular complications and slowing the progression of neurodegeneration. Our objective was to explore the changes in the endothelial function of MS patients after 12 months of GLP-1a therapy. We also explored the role of lipoprotein subfractions and the antioxidant capacity of plasma.MethodsMS patients were enrolled in a prospective, unicentric study. GLP-1a (dulaglutide) was administered to 13 patients. The control population consisted of 12 subjects. Endothelial function was determined by peripheral arterial tonometry and expressed as reperfusion hyperemia index (RHI). Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) was used to assess the total antioxidant capacity of the plasma. The levels of lipoprotein subfractions were evaluated.ResultsThe GLP-1a group did not have a significant change in their RHIs after 12 months (2.1 ± 0.6 vs. 2.1 ± 0.7; p = 0.807). However, a significant increase in their TEACs was observed (4.1 ± 1.4 vs. 5.2 ± 0.5 mmol/L, p = 0.010). On the contrary, the subjects in the control group had a significant worsening of their RHIs (2.1 ± 0.5 vs. 1.8 ± 0.6; p = 0.030), without significant changes in their TEACs. Except for a significant decrease in very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) (30.8 ± 10.2 vs. 22.6 ± 8.3 mg/dL, p = 0.043), no other significant changes in the variables were observed in the control group. VLDL levels (beta = -0.637, p = 0.001), the use of GLP-1a therapy (beta = 0.560, p = 0.003), and small LDL (beta = 0.339, p = 0.043) were the only significant variables in the model that predicted the follow-up RHI.ConclusionOur results suggest that the application of additional GLP-1a therapy may have atheroprotective and antioxidant effects in MS patients with high MS activity and thus may prospectively mitigate their vascular risk. However, the lipoprotein profile may also play an important role in the atherogenic risk of MS subjects.

CC BYText from Europe PMC. Highlighted sentences are the source of results.

Results from this study3

2 results from studies that gave the peptide. 2 results from people.

01HumanObservational studyEfficacy outcome
In MS patients receiving dulaglutide, reperfusion hyperemia index did not change significantly after 12 months.
In plain wordsIn people with multiple sclerosis, dulaglutide use was linked to no significant change in endothelial function from baseline.
Peptide
Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
Outcome
No significant changeReperfusion hyperemia index
Study
n = 13
Comparator
Baseline
Outcome group
Vascular function · Cardiovascular
Studied dose
Dose not stated · 12 monthsAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
Reperfusion hyperemia index
2.1
GLP-1a group, baseline
Reperfusion hyperemia index
2.1
GLP-1a group, 12 months
Source sentences
Summary
The GLP-1a group did not have a significant change in their RHIs after 12 months (2.1 ± 0.6 vs. 2.1 ± 0.7; p = 0.807).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
MS patients were enrolled in a prospective, unicentric study.
Summary · context
GLP-1a (dulaglutide) was administered to 13 patients.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3744633801
02HumanObservational studyEfficacy outcome
In MS patients receiving dulaglutide, plasma antioxidant capacity increased from baseline.
In plain wordsIn people with multiple sclerosis, dulaglutide use was linked to higher plasma antioxidant capacity than at baseline.
Peptide
Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
Outcome
IncreaseTrolox equivalent antioxidant capacity
Study
n = 13
Comparator
Baseline
Outcome group
Oxidative stress · Cardiovascular
Studied dose
Dose not stated · 12 monthsAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
TEAC
4.1 mmol/L
baseline
TEAC
5.2 mmol/L
follow-up
Source sentences
Summary
However, a significant increase in their TEACs was observed (4.1 ± 1.4 vs. 5.2 ± 0.5 mmol/L, p = 0.010).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
MS patients were enrolled in a prospective, unicentric study.
Summary · context
GLP-1a (dulaglutide) was administered to 13 patients.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3744633802

Studies that did not test the peptide alone1

In this study, Dulaglutide (Trulicity) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. These results are not evidence about taking Dulaglutide (Trulicity).

03HumanNot a test of Dulaglutide (Trulicity) aloneObservational studyOther
In MS patients, GLP-1 agonist therapy with dulaglutide positively predicted follow-up reperfusion hyperemia index in a regression model.
In plain wordsIn people with multiple sclerosis, dulaglutide use was linked to a higher follow-up measure of endothelial function.
Peptide
Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
Outcome
IncreaseTherapy association with follow-up RHI
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Vascular function · Cardiovascular
Measurements
Regression coefficient (beta) for GLP-1a therapy
0.56
model predicting follow-up RHI
Source sentences
Summary
VLDL levels (beta = -0.637, p = 0.001), the use of GLP-1a therapy (beta = 0.560, p = 0.003), and small LDL (beta = 0.339, p = 0.043) were the only significant variables in the model that predicted the follow-up RHI.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
MS patients were enrolled in a prospective, unicentric study.
Summary · context
GLP-1a (dulaglutide) was administered to 13 patients.
In this study, Dulaglutide (Trulicity) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Dulaglutide (Trulicity).
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3744633803

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

Version history

PepBank keeps every version of the data on this study. Status changes from Retraction Watch, Europe PMC and Crossref are listed with their source.

Version 2Current
22 Oct 2026, 02:25 UTC
Study results updated
Version 1
21 Oct 2026, 18:59 UTC
First added · source update from Europe PMC

Subjects

Terms as the source lists them.

Publication types

MeSH terms

Keywords

PepBank is a research reference. Talk to a doctor before you use any peptide.