Effects of GLP-1 Agonists on CArdiac Steatosis Evaluated by Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Type II diabetes is a known risk factor for heart failure, particularly through the progressive development of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Cardiac metabolic parameters, including myocardial steatosis and epicardial fat, are altered in diabetic patients. The development of new anti-diabetics (incretins) has demonstrated protective cardiovascular effects independent of effects on glycemic control for the first time in the history of these therapies. Thus Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists improve the recovery of cardiac function after a heart attack and decrease atheromatous processes. It has also been demonstrated in a diabetic rat model that the administration of Liraglutide, a GLP-1 agonist, leads to normalization of myocardial steatosis associated with beneficial cardiac molecular remodeling involving pro-apoptotic, oxidative and metabolic processes. These beneficial cardiovascular effects were observed in the absence of any changes in blood glucose, insulin levels or body weight.