Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Anesthesia Considerations

this, various studies have reported the cardioprotective effect of GLP-1 RAs against major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). 2 They have also been shown to have renal protective properties. 4 Role i n Weight lossLong-term treatment with both short-and long-acting GLP-1 RAs leads to weight loss in varying degrees.GLP-1 RAs lead to weight loss by decreasing appetite due to delayed gastric emptying and also by acting on the satiety center in the hypothalamus. 5 Increased satiety leads to a decrease in energy intake, thus helping in weight reduction.Appetite reduction and weight reduction are two separate but linked intRoduction Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone secreted in response to food intake.It is mainly produced and secreted in the small intestine, with a small proportion secreted in the brainstem. 1It stimulates insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells and lowers glucagon secretion from the alpha cells. 2 This leads to a reduction in fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels.Though the majority of GLP-1 receptors are found in the pancreas, some are also found in the intestine, heart, lungs, nervous system, and blood vessels. 1 GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are used for diabetes management and also for weight loss.GLP-1 has a very short half-life as it is quickly degraded by dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) enzyme. 3However, the GLP-1 RAs are resistant to degradation by DPP-4, which leads to a prolonged half-life.