- In a study of patients with early-stage Parkinson’s disease, GLP-1 receptor agonists showed promising results in reducing the motor performance deficits associated with Parkinson’s disease.
- When half of the cohort was given lixisenatide, commonly used to treat diabetes, for a year, there was little progression in the decline in exercise capacity compared to those given a placebo.
- Experts say the study results are promising, but further long-term studies with larger groups are needed.
Scientists have announced that they have discovered that a drug commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes can slow the progression of motor skills loss in patients with early Parkinson’s disease. New England Medical Journal.
The study was randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled, and included patients who had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease within the past three years, were on stable medication to treat their symptoms, and who were still on treatment for Parkinson’s disease. A follow-up study was carried out on 156 French participants who had not received the study. Significant decline in athletic performance. Participants were given either lixisenatide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist used to treat diabetes, or a placebo.
After 12 months, the 78 people who received lixisenatide showed virtually no further decline in motor skills, which is common in Parkinson’s disease, while those who received a placebo saw worsening of symptoms. Almost half of the group taking lixisenatide reported nausea and 13% experienced vomiting.
Robert Gabay, MD, PhDsaid the chief scientific and medical officer of the American Diabetes Association. Today’s medical news Although GLP-1 receptors are a relatively new field, he said the research results are promising.
“This is an interesting study that provides proof of the concept that this class of drugs has some protective effects and may one day be useful in treating Parkinson’s disease. It will be interesting to see if this applies to newer GLP-1 drugs as well,” Gabbay said.
Parkinson’s disease is a disease characterized by severe neurological decline that can manifest as tremors, motor control problems, and dementia. The cause is unknown, but it is related to a lack of dopamine in the brain.it is second most common neurological disease It occurs after Alzheimer’s disease in the United States, and at least 500,000 adults in the United States are thought to have Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Daniel TruongHe is a neurologist and medical director at the Truong Neuroscience Institute at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California, and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Clinical Parkinson’s Disease and Related Disorders. told MNT that it depends on several commonalities. Thread between obstacles:
- Insulin resistance and glucose dysregulation
- inflammation and oxidative stress
- mitochondrial dysfunction
- α-synuclein pathology
- Common genetic risk factors
“Research is underway to explore the potential link between diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. Some studies have shown that people with diabetes may be at increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, and vice versa. “It suggests that,” Truong said.
“Chronic low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress are common features of both diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. Research suggests that inflammatory processes in the brain may be involved in the progression of Parkinson’s disease. There is also evidence linking inflammation and insulin resistance in diabetes.”
— Dr. Daniel Truong
“Studies show that mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to insulin resistance and beta cell dysfunction in diabetes, while mitochondrial dysfunction is an important feature of dopaminergic neuron degeneration in Parkinson’s disease. It is also true,” Truong explained.
“Emerging evidence suggests that alpha-synuclein pathology may also be present in peripheral tissues, including pancreatic beta cells, in diabetic patients. “This may shed light on the role of aggregation and its potential link to Parkinson’s disease,” he added.
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists are part of the treatment plan for patients with type 2 diabetes. These can help replicate or enhance the effects of naturally occurring gut hormones that help control blood sugar levels, and can also reduce appetite by acting on the hunger center of the brain. This is one reason why drugs like Ozempic and Wigovy are associated with weight loss.
Truong said it’s clear that drugs like lixisenatide have neuroprotective effects and could offer some help to people with neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease. But he also pointed out how common features of both diabetes and Parkinson’s disease could provide insight into GLP-1 receptor agonists as a way to alleviate Parkinson’s symptoms.
“Emerging evidence is emerging suggesting common pathophysiological mechanisms between diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. For example, insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism are implicated in both conditions. Therefore, GLP-1 RA Drugs that target these mechanisms, such as , may have beneficial effects in both diseases.”
— Dr. Daniel Truong
“Several studies have shown that diabetic patients treated with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists or dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, which increase glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels, “We show that the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease was lower in people who were also taking other diabetes drugs,” Truong said.
Due to the limitations of this study, Truong said, several aspects of long-term treatment of Parkinson’s disease with GLP-1 receptor agonists, including dose optimization, combination therapy, safety and tolerability, and impact on non-motor symptoms, may be considered. stated that further research is needed to establish this aspect.
“Parkinson’s disease is associated with a wide range of non-motor symptoms, including cognitive impairment, autonomic dysfunction, and psychiatric symptoms. Future studies will investigate whether lixisenatide has beneficial effects on non-motor symptoms in addition to motor symptoms. We need to investigate.”
“Although studies have suggested potential neuroprotective effects of lixisenatide, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood, including the effects of lixisenatide on inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and alpha-synuclein pathology. “Further studies are needed to elucidate the specific neuroprotective mechanism of lixisenatide in Parkinson’s disease,” he explained.