The Role of Nano-systems in the Delivery of Glucose-lowering Drugs for the Pre-emption and Treatment of Diabetes-associated Atherosclerosis

Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 2024 Mar 25. doi: 10.1152/ajpcell.00695.2023. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTDiabetes is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide. In recent decades, type-2 diabetes has become increasingly common, particularly in younger individuals. Diabetes leads to many vascular complications, including atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a cardiovascular disease characterized by lipid-rich plaques within the vasculature. Plaques develop over time, restricting blood flow; and can therefore be the underlying cause of major adverse cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction and stroke. Diabetes and atherosclerosis are intrinsically linked. Diabetes is a metabolic syndrome which accelerates atherosclerosis and increases the risk of developing other co-morbidities, such as Diabetes-associated Atherosclerosis (DAA). Gold-standard anti-diabetic medications focus on attenuating hyperglycemia. Though recent evidence suggests that glucose-lowering drugs may have broader applications, beyond diabetes-management. This review mainly evaluates the role of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA), such as Liraglutide and Semaglutide in DAA. These drugs mimic gut hormones (incretins), which inhibit glucagon secretion whilst stimulating insulin secretion, thus improving insulin sensitivity. This facilitates delayed gastric emptying and increased patient satiety; hence they are also indicated for the treatment of obesity. GLP-1 RAs have significant car...
Source: Am J Physiol Cell Ph... - Category: Cytology Authors: Source Type: research