Selective beneficial cardiometabolic effects of vertical sleeve gastrectomy are predominantly mediated through glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) in Zucker diabetic fatty rats

•GLP-1 increases post-VSG 30 min after glucose load.•Post-VSG GLP-1 secretion is associatged with lower cholesterol and triglycerides.•Bile acids and L-PGDS increase post-VSG and are inhibited in the presence of GLP-1 antagonist.•Heart rate, blood pressure and myograph profile remain unchanged.

BackgroundGlucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) level was significantly increased post Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG), an effect believed to contribute to its beneficial cardiometabolic effects.ObjectiveTo validate the beneficial GLP-1 mediated cardiometabolic effects post VSG using GLP-1 antagonist (exendin 9-39) in Zucker diabetic fatty rats.MethodsAnimals were divided into three (n = 5) groups: (i) sham, (ii) VSG, and (iii) VSG received exendin 9-39 (GLP-1 receptor antagonist). The study was performed over 12 weeks and parameters were measured 12 weeks post-surgery.Results and discussionAs expected, fasting blood glucose and insulin levels were improved post VSG due to enhanced GLP-1 secretion. However, both fasting glucose and insulin levels were impaired in the presence of GLP-1 antagonist. Baseline total cholesterol level pre-surgery was 100±1 mg/dl which remained unchanged in the VSG group but significantly increased to 140±8 mg/dl in the presence of antagonist. Interestingly, post-surgery there was a nearly 70% reduction in triglyceride level in the VSG group compared to sham which was overcome in the presence of antagonist. Myographic studies using aortic rings showed no significant change between groups. Additionally, blood pressure and heart rate also remained unchanged in all groups. Serum bile acid and L-PGDS levels increased post VSG but significantly decreased in the presence of antagonist, suggesting a strong association with GLP-1 and a novel mechanism of action.ConclusionEnhanced GLP-1 secretion post VSG imparted beneficial cardiometabolic effects on blood glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, bile acids and L-PGDS levels which were abated in the presence of GLP-1 antagonist.