title: GLP-1 receptor agonists: Nonglycemic clinical effects in weight loss and beyond.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are indicated for treatment of type 2 diabetes since they mimic the actions of native GLP-1 on pancreatic islet cells, stimulating insulin release, while inhibiting glucagon release, in a glucose-dependent manner. The observation of weight loss has led to exploration of their potential as antiobesity agents, with liraglutide 3.0 mg day(-1) approved for weight management in the US on December 23, 2014, and in the EU on March 23, 2015. This review examines the potential nonglycemic effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists.
  
  
  METHODS
  A literature search was conducted to identify preclinical and clinical evidence on nonglycemic effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists.
  
  
  RESULTS
  GLP-1 receptors are distributed widely in a number of tissues in humans, and their effects are not limited to the well-recognized effects on glycemia. Nonglycemic effects include weight loss, which is perhaps the most widely recognized nonglycemic effect. In addition, effects on the cardiovascular, neurologic, and renal systems and on taste perception may occur independently of weight loss.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  GLP-1 receptor agonists may provide other nonglycemic clinical effects besides weight loss. Understanding these effects is important for prescribers in using GLP-1 receptor agonists for diabetic patients, but also if approved for chronic weight management.
authors.affiliation: Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA.
authors.forename: Donna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ryan
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
authors.forename: Andres
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Acosta
mesh_terms: D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000187:drug effects; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000503:physiopathology; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D052216:Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D007328:Insulin / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D018027:Receptors, Glucagon / Q000819:agonists; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000187:drug effects*; D000097789:Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists
chemical_list: D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents; D001786:Blood Glucose; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin; D018027:Receptors, Glucagon; D052216:Glucagon-Like Peptide 1; D000097789:Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists