Association of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and neurogenesis: a systematic review.

Au HCT, Zheng YJ, Le GH, Wong S, Teopiz KM, Kwan ATH, Gill H, Badulescu S, Valentino K, Rosenblat JD, Mansur RB, McIntyre RS

Acta neuropsychiatrica14 Feb 2025Cited by 14 (Europe PMC)

PMID39950609PMCIDPMC13130299DOI10.1017/neu.2025.4PepBankPUB-39950609

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Summary

ObjectiveGlucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) administration has been associated with neuroproliferative effects and modulatory effects in neuronal pathways. Herein, we conducted a comprehensive synthesis of the effects of GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs on neurogenesis.MethodsWe examined studies that investigate changes in neurogenesis mediated by GLP-1 and GLP-1 RA administration in both human and animal populations. Relevant articles were retrieved through OVID (MedLine, Embase, AMED, PsychINFO, JBI EBP Database), PubMed, and Web of Science from database inception to July 2nd. Primary studies investigating the role of GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs on neurogenesis were included for analysis.ResultsGLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs (i.e. exenatide, geniposide, liraglutide, lixisenatide, and semaglutide), increased neurogenesis within the dentate gyrus, hippocampus, olfactory bulb, and the medial striatum in animal models. Additionally, GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs were associated with modulating changes in multiple apoptotic pathways and upregulating survival pathways.DiscussionGLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs are positively associated with neurogenesis. This effect may have translational implications insofar as disparate mental disorders that are characterised by neurogenesis defects (e.g. depressive disorders and neurocognitive disorders) may be benefitted by these agents.

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

Results from this study12

No result from this study comes from a test of the peptide.

Studies that did not test the peptide alone12

In this study, the peptide 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 the peptide.

01AnimalNot a test of Liraglutide aloneAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
Across GLP-1 and GLP-1 receptor agonists including liraglutide, neurogenesis increased in the dentate gyrus in animal models.
In plain wordsIn animal studies, pooled GLP-1 medicines including liraglutide increased neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
IncreaseDentate gyrus neurogenesis
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Neuroprotection · Nervous system and cognition
Source sentences
Summary
GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs (i.e. exenatide, geniposide, liraglutide, lixisenatide, and semaglutide), increased neurogenesis within the dentate gyrus, hippocampus, olfactory bulb, and the medial striatum in animal models.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We examined studies that investigate changes in neurogenesis mediated by GLP-1 and GLP-1 RA administration in both human and animal populations.
Summary · context
Relevant articles were retrieved through OVID (MedLine, Embase, AMED, PsychINFO, JBI EBP Database), PubMed, and Web of Science from database inception to July 2nd. Primary studies investigating the role of GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs on neurogenesis were included for analysis.
In this study, Liraglutide 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 Liraglutide.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3995060901
02AnimalNot a test of Semaglutide aloneAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
Across GLP-1 and GLP-1 receptor agonists including semaglutide, neurogenesis increased in the dentate gyrus in animal models.
In plain wordsIn animal studies, pooled GLP-1 medicines including semaglutide increased neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
IncreaseDentate gyrus neurogenesis
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Neuroprotection · Nervous system and cognition
Source sentences
Summary
GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs (i.e. exenatide, geniposide, liraglutide, lixisenatide, and semaglutide), increased neurogenesis within the dentate gyrus, hippocampus, olfactory bulb, and the medial striatum in animal models.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We examined studies that investigate changes in neurogenesis mediated by GLP-1 and GLP-1 RA administration in both human and animal populations.
Summary · context
Relevant articles were retrieved through OVID (MedLine, Embase, AMED, PsychINFO, JBI EBP Database), PubMed, and Web of Science from database inception to July 2nd. Primary studies investigating the role of GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs on neurogenesis were included for analysis.
In this study, Semaglutide 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 Semaglutide.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3995060902
03AnimalNot a test of Liraglutide aloneAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
Across GLP-1 and GLP-1 receptor agonists including liraglutide, neurogenesis increased in the hippocampus in animal models.
In plain wordsIn animal studies, pooled GLP-1 medicines including liraglutide increased neurogenesis in the hippocampus.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
IncreaseHippocampal neurogenesis
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Neuroprotection · Nervous system and cognition
Source sentences
Summary
GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs (i.e. exenatide, geniposide, liraglutide, lixisenatide, and semaglutide), increased neurogenesis within the dentate gyrus, hippocampus, olfactory bulb, and the medial striatum in animal models.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We examined studies that investigate changes in neurogenesis mediated by GLP-1 and GLP-1 RA administration in both human and animal populations.
Summary · context
Relevant articles were retrieved through OVID (MedLine, Embase, AMED, PsychINFO, JBI EBP Database), PubMed, and Web of Science from database inception to July 2nd. Primary studies investigating the role of GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs on neurogenesis were included for analysis.
In this study, Liraglutide 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 Liraglutide.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3995060907
04AnimalNot a test of Semaglutide aloneAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
Across GLP-1 and GLP-1 receptor agonists including semaglutide, neurogenesis increased in the hippocampus in animal models.
In plain wordsIn animal studies, pooled GLP-1 medicines including semaglutide increased neurogenesis in the hippocampus.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
IncreaseHippocampal neurogenesis
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Neuroprotection · Nervous system and cognition
Source sentences
Summary
GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs (i.e. exenatide, geniposide, liraglutide, lixisenatide, and semaglutide), increased neurogenesis within the dentate gyrus, hippocampus, olfactory bulb, and the medial striatum in animal models.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We examined studies that investigate changes in neurogenesis mediated by GLP-1 and GLP-1 RA administration in both human and animal populations.
Summary · context
Relevant articles were retrieved through OVID (MedLine, Embase, AMED, PsychINFO, JBI EBP Database), PubMed, and Web of Science from database inception to July 2nd. Primary studies investigating the role of GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs on neurogenesis were included for analysis.
In this study, Semaglutide 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 Semaglutide.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3995060908
05AnimalNot a test of Liraglutide aloneAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
Across GLP-1 and GLP-1 receptor agonists including liraglutide, neurogenesis increased in the olfactory bulb in animal models.
In plain wordsIn animal studies, pooled GLP-1 medicines including liraglutide increased neurogenesis in the olfactory bulb.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
IncreaseOlfactory bulb neurogenesis
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Neuroprotection · Nervous system and cognition
Source sentences
Summary
GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs (i.e. exenatide, geniposide, liraglutide, lixisenatide, and semaglutide), increased neurogenesis within the dentate gyrus, hippocampus, olfactory bulb, and the medial striatum in animal models.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We examined studies that investigate changes in neurogenesis mediated by GLP-1 and GLP-1 RA administration in both human and animal populations.
Summary · context
Relevant articles were retrieved through OVID (MedLine, Embase, AMED, PsychINFO, JBI EBP Database), PubMed, and Web of Science from database inception to July 2nd. Primary studies investigating the role of GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs on neurogenesis were included for analysis.
In this study, Liraglutide 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 Liraglutide.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3995060909
06AnimalNot a test of Semaglutide aloneAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
Across GLP-1 and GLP-1 receptor agonists including semaglutide, neurogenesis increased in the olfactory bulb in animal models.
In plain wordsIn animal studies, pooled GLP-1 medicines including semaglutide increased neurogenesis in the olfactory bulb.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
IncreaseOlfactory bulb neurogenesis
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Neuroprotection · Nervous system and cognition
Source sentences
Summary
GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs (i.e. exenatide, geniposide, liraglutide, lixisenatide, and semaglutide), increased neurogenesis within the dentate gyrus, hippocampus, olfactory bulb, and the medial striatum in animal models.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We examined studies that investigate changes in neurogenesis mediated by GLP-1 and GLP-1 RA administration in both human and animal populations.
Summary · context
Relevant articles were retrieved through OVID (MedLine, Embase, AMED, PsychINFO, JBI EBP Database), PubMed, and Web of Science from database inception to July 2nd. Primary studies investigating the role of GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs on neurogenesis were included for analysis.
In this study, Semaglutide 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 Semaglutide.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3995060910
07AnimalNot a test of Liraglutide aloneAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
Across GLP-1 and GLP-1 receptor agonists including liraglutide, neurogenesis increased in the medial striatum in animal models.
In plain wordsIn animal studies, pooled GLP-1 medicines including liraglutide increased neurogenesis in the medial striatum.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
IncreaseMedial striatum neurogenesis
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Neuroprotection · Nervous system and cognition
Source sentences
Summary
GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs (i.e. exenatide, geniposide, liraglutide, lixisenatide, and semaglutide), increased neurogenesis within the dentate gyrus, hippocampus, olfactory bulb, and the medial striatum in animal models.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We examined studies that investigate changes in neurogenesis mediated by GLP-1 and GLP-1 RA administration in both human and animal populations.
Summary · context
Relevant articles were retrieved through OVID (MedLine, Embase, AMED, PsychINFO, JBI EBP Database), PubMed, and Web of Science from database inception to July 2nd. Primary studies investigating the role of GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs on neurogenesis were included for analysis.
In this study, Liraglutide 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 Liraglutide.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3995060911
08AnimalNot a test of Semaglutide aloneAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
Across GLP-1 and GLP-1 receptor agonists including semaglutide, neurogenesis increased in the medial striatum in animal models.
In plain wordsIn animal studies, pooled GLP-1 medicines including semaglutide increased neurogenesis in the medial striatum.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
IncreaseMedial striatum neurogenesis
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Neuroprotection · Nervous system and cognition
Source sentences
Summary
GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs (i.e. exenatide, geniposide, liraglutide, lixisenatide, and semaglutide), increased neurogenesis within the dentate gyrus, hippocampus, olfactory bulb, and the medial striatum in animal models.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We examined studies that investigate changes in neurogenesis mediated by GLP-1 and GLP-1 RA administration in both human and animal populations.
Summary · context
Relevant articles were retrieved through OVID (MedLine, Embase, AMED, PsychINFO, JBI EBP Database), PubMed, and Web of Science from database inception to July 2nd. Primary studies investigating the role of GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs on neurogenesis were included for analysis.
In this study, Semaglutide 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 Semaglutide.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3995060912
09AnimalNot a test of Liraglutide aloneOther designMechanism
In pooled reviewed GLP-1/GLP-1RA evidence including liraglutide, apoptotic pathways were modulated with direction unstated; the pathway-specific model was not identified.
In plain wordsIn pooled reviewed GLP-1 evidence including liraglutide, apoptotic pathways changed with direction unstated; the model was unspecified.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
Direction not reportedApoptotic pathways
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Receptor activity and mechanism · Nervous system and cognition
Source sentences
Summary
Additionally, GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs were associated with modulating changes in multiple apoptotic pathways and upregulating survival pathways.
3 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs (i.e. exenatide, geniposide, liraglutide, lixisenatide, and semaglutide), increased neurogenesis within the dentate gyrus, hippocampus, olfactory bulb, and the medial striatum in animal models.
Summary · context
We examined studies that investigate changes in neurogenesis mediated by GLP-1 and GLP-1 RA administration in both human and animal populations.
Summary · context
Relevant articles were retrieved through OVID (MedLine, Embase, AMED, PsychINFO, JBI EBP Database), PubMed, and Web of Science from database inception to July 2nd. Primary studies investigating the role of GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs on neurogenesis were included for analysis.
In this study, Liraglutide 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 Liraglutide.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3995060903
10AnimalNot a test of Semaglutide aloneOther designMechanism
In pooled reviewed GLP-1/GLP-1RA evidence including semaglutide, apoptotic pathways were modulated with direction unstated; the pathway-specific model was not identified.
In plain wordsIn pooled reviewed GLP-1 evidence including semaglutide, apoptotic pathways changed with direction unstated; the model was unspecified.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
Direction not reportedApoptotic pathways
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Receptor activity and mechanism · Nervous system and cognition
Source sentences
Summary
Additionally, GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs were associated with modulating changes in multiple apoptotic pathways and upregulating survival pathways.
3 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs (i.e. exenatide, geniposide, liraglutide, lixisenatide, and semaglutide), increased neurogenesis within the dentate gyrus, hippocampus, olfactory bulb, and the medial striatum in animal models.
Summary · context
We examined studies that investigate changes in neurogenesis mediated by GLP-1 and GLP-1 RA administration in both human and animal populations.
Summary · context
Relevant articles were retrieved through OVID (MedLine, Embase, AMED, PsychINFO, JBI EBP Database), PubMed, and Web of Science from database inception to July 2nd. Primary studies investigating the role of GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs on neurogenesis were included for analysis.
In this study, Semaglutide 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 Semaglutide.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3995060904
11AnimalNot a test of Liraglutide aloneOther designMechanism
In pooled reviewed GLP-1/GLP-1RA evidence including liraglutide, survival pathways were upregulated; the pathway-specific model was not identified.
In plain wordsIn pooled reviewed GLP-1 evidence including liraglutide, survival pathways were upregulated; the model was unspecified.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
IncreaseSurvival pathways
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Receptor activity and mechanism · Nervous system and cognition
Source sentences
Summary
Additionally, GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs were associated with modulating changes in multiple apoptotic pathways and upregulating survival pathways.
3 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs (i.e. exenatide, geniposide, liraglutide, lixisenatide, and semaglutide), increased neurogenesis within the dentate gyrus, hippocampus, olfactory bulb, and the medial striatum in animal models.
Summary · context
We examined studies that investigate changes in neurogenesis mediated by GLP-1 and GLP-1 RA administration in both human and animal populations.
Summary · context
Relevant articles were retrieved through OVID (MedLine, Embase, AMED, PsychINFO, JBI EBP Database), PubMed, and Web of Science from database inception to July 2nd. Primary studies investigating the role of GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs on neurogenesis were included for analysis.
In this study, Liraglutide 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 Liraglutide.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3995060905
12AnimalNot a test of Semaglutide aloneOther designMechanism
In pooled reviewed GLP-1/GLP-1RA evidence including semaglutide, survival pathways were upregulated; the pathway-specific model was not identified.
In plain wordsIn pooled reviewed GLP-1 evidence including semaglutide, survival pathways were upregulated; the model was unspecified.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
IncreaseSurvival pathways
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Receptor activity and mechanism · Nervous system and cognition
Source sentences
Summary
Additionally, GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs were associated with modulating changes in multiple apoptotic pathways and upregulating survival pathways.
3 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs (i.e. exenatide, geniposide, liraglutide, lixisenatide, and semaglutide), increased neurogenesis within the dentate gyrus, hippocampus, olfactory bulb, and the medial striatum in animal models.
Summary · context
We examined studies that investigate changes in neurogenesis mediated by GLP-1 and GLP-1 RA administration in both human and animal populations.
Summary · context
Relevant articles were retrieved through OVID (MedLine, Embase, AMED, PsychINFO, JBI EBP Database), PubMed, and Web of Science from database inception to July 2nd. Primary studies investigating the role of GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs on neurogenesis were included for analysis.
In this study, Semaglutide 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 Semaglutide.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3995060906

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 4Current
12 Oct 2026, 11:11 UTC
Study results updated
Versions 2 to 3
9 Oct 2026, 03:07 UTC
The same notice was added 2 times, first on 9 Oct 2026, 03:06 UTC. The status did not change between them.
Study data updated · source update from Europe PMC
Version 1
9 Oct 2026, 03:04 UTC
First added · source update from Europe PMC

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