The Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Analog Liraglutide Impairs the Migration of Rat Intestinal Cells in vitro

Abstract Liraglutide plays a crucial role in managing weight and regulating glucose levels, but it can have adverse effects, particularly on the gastrointestinal tract. Here, we assessed the impact of liraglutide on the viability, cell death, morphology, reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, and migration of rat intestinal epithelial cells. There was no change in the viability of cells treated with liraglutide at concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, and 1 μM, however, high concentrations of the drug reduced IEC- 6 cell viability. Additionally, the treatment with low doses of liraglutide decreased the rate of apoptosis of IEC-6 cells relative to the control. Also, the treated cells showed a modified actin cytoskeleton, with prominent stress fibers. Regarding cell migration, there was a decrease in the percentage of closure of the cell-free area over 24 h, relative to the untreated cells. This study revealed the direct effects of liraglutide on intestinal cells, including reduced apoptosis rates, actin cytoskeleton alterations, and inhibited cell migration.