GLP-1 receptor agonists and obstructive lung disease: Beyond metabolic control to respiratory outcomes - PubMed
2 days ago
- #GLP-1 receptor agonists
- #respiratory outcomes
- #obstructive lung disease
- GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are being studied for their potential benefits in obstructive lung diseases like COPD and asthma, beyond their metabolic effects.
- Real-world evidence suggests GLP-1RA use is associated with reduced exacerbation rates in COPD and asthma patients with comorbid type 2 diabetes, especially in obese individuals or those with frequent exacerbations.
- Randomized cardiovascular outcome trials have shown neutral effects on respiratory endpoints, possibly due to lack of prespecified pulmonary outcomes.
- Recent disease-focused randomized trials in obesity-related COPD report respiratory-specific benefits, supporting the potential of GLP-1RAs in respiratory outcomes.
- Mechanistically, GLP-1RAs may benefit respiratory health through indirect metabolic effects (weight loss, improved glycemic control) and direct actions on airway smooth muscle and immune cells.
- Prospective randomized controlled trials with prespecified respiratory endpoints are needed to establish causality and define the role of GLP-1RAs in obstructive lung diseases.