Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist diminishes endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetic patients

Objective. To evaluate liraglutide (LIR) endothelial protective action. Material and methods. Type 2 diabetic patients with HbA1C 7.5-9.0 % had metformin (MET) dose titrated for 3 months. Patients with HbA1C less than 7.5 % comprised group 1 (MET), more than 7.5 % - group 2 (MET+LIR). Blood concentrations of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), endothelin-1 (E) were evaluated at baseline, in 3, 6 and 9 months. Results. PAI-1 was increased in both groups and gradually decreased. T-PA was normal. E was primarily increased only in group 2. E was normal in group 1 in general, but enlarged with glycaemia increase. E decreased in group 2 with glycaemia improvement and worsening. Conclusions. Glycaemia control improvement decreases endothelial dysfunction. LIR improves vasomotor endothelial function, independently on its influence on glycaemia.