Glucagon-Like peptide-1: A new therapeutic target to treat abdominal aortic aneurysm?

Recent antidiabetic drugs including GLP-1 receptor agonists and DPP-IV inhibitors have demonstrated protective effects in several cardiovascular diseases but their effect in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is far less known. AAA can be associated with extremely high rates of mortality and pharmacological treatments are still lacking underlining the real need to identify new therapeutic targets. The aim of this review was to summarize current knowledge on the role of GLP-1 pathway in AAA. A systematic literature review was performed and 6 relevant studies (2 clinical and 4 experimental) were included. Experimental studies demonstrated a protective effect of both GLP-1 receptor agonists and DPP-IV inhibitors through targeting the main pathophysiological mechanisms underlying AAA formation. The effects of these drugs in human AAA are still poorly known. In the limelight of clinical and experimental studies, we discuss current limits and future directions.