Liraglutide Side Effects
Liraglutide is a potent glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist. The peptide mimics the actions of GLP-1 and thus shows effects that can potentially be used in treating certain conditions. Scientists assume it may regulate blood sugar levels and increase insulin secretion without disrupting glucagon production, which could be useful in treating Type 2 Diabetes. In addition, it may be able to increase insulin receptor sensitivity and slow gastric emptying, thus showing potential for treating insulin resistance and obesity. This peptide could potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications such as myocardial infarction or stroke. Depending on the indication, it is used in different doses, but it has been found to be most commonly used in cases of metabolic diseases.
About the Liraglutide
Liraglutide is a synthetic peptide designed to mimic the action of Glucagon-like peptide-1. The only structural difference between GLP-1 and this peptide is the substitution of arginine for lysine at position 34. This nNatural peptide is synthesized by intestinal cells after a meal. Even if nutrients have not yet been absorbed, even with a large amount of food in the stomach, it sends information about satiety to the brain. It can also calm gastrointestinal symptoms and slow gastric emptying. Due to these properties, Liraglutide, as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, shows potential for treating obesity caused by various factors.
Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 is a chronic metabolic disease often requiring a multifaceted approach. In addition to lifestyle changes through diet and increased physical activity, additional drug therapy is sometimes necessary. According to studies, Liraglutide has so far shown great potential in treating this condition because it could increase insulin secretion after a meal, helping all the necessary energy enter the cell, and lower blood sugar levels.
The effect of this hormone does not interfere with the further function and production of glucagon, which is crucial because it rarely leads to hypoglycemia. This property is also important in cases where the patient has developed a state of insulin resistance, because the receptors are insensitive to insulin, so additional production and increased receptor sensitivity could lead to improvement.
Metabolic diseases such as different types of diabetes or hypercholesterolemia often end with cardiovascular complications, sometimes causing the patient's death. Therefore, the drug must be harmless to the cardiovascular system and not cause additional damage. Due to the accumulation of cholesterol crystals and other deposits, atherosclerotic plaque can form. After breaking off, it travels through the bloodstream until it clogs the lumen. This can lead to myocardial infarction, stroke, and possibly even mortality. The results of various studies indicate that Liraglutide reduces the risk of developing such complications. If the patient uses the peptide according to the instructions, it can be used even in cases of associated chronic diseases. Since it binds to blood proteins (mainly albumin), it remains active in the body throughout the day compared to GLP-1, so its use is limited to one subcutaneous injection per day.
How This Peptide Works
The mechanism of action depends on the indication. The main and most significant potential application of Liraglutide is referred to as treating Type 2 Diabetes. Three mechanisms are primarily described in the pathophysiology of this disease – the development of insulin resistance, reduced secretion of insulin, and increased glucose production in the liver.
In the case of developing insulin resistance, the receptors located on the cell surface become insensitive. This leads to the accumulation of glucose in the blood and a lack of nutrients and energy. Over time, all glucose is converted through biochemical pathways into fat, eventually deposited subcutaneously, and the patient gains weight. Liraglutide is potentially capable of increasing the sensitivity of the receptors, which directly affects the regulation of glycemia and weight loss. In addition, the peptide acts on two other mechanisms, increasing insulin secretion in response to glucose intake and reducing glucose secretion from the liver. These effects are provided without affecting the glucagon metabolism (a hormone synthesized in states of hunger, releasing glucose).
Regardless of whether it is caused by insulin resistance, this peptide could be used in treating other types of obesity. This effect is achieved by slowing down the emptying of the stomach and increasing the feeling of satiety. With the help of signals induced by the peptide, the brain receives information about satiety, forcing the patient to stop taking large amounts of food, eventually leading to weight loss.
According to scientific research, the peptide shouldn't cause any damage to the cardiovascular system. It should even reduce the risk of complications such as myocardial infarction, stroke, or thromboembolism.
Structure of Liraglutide
Liraglutide is 97% structurally identical to natural GLP-1. Its chemical formula consists of
- one hundred and seventy-two carbon atoms,
- two hundred and sixty-two hydrogen atoms,
- forty-three nitrogen atoms,
- fifty-one oxygen atoms.
Side Effects
Increased Chance of Developing Thyroid Cancer
Scientists suspect that long-term Liraglutide administration may lead to hyperplasia of C-cells that secrete calcitonin. Excessive concentrations of this hormone in the serum are associated with the development of various types of thyroid cancer (the most common is medullary cancer). However, there is not enough evidence to confirm this assumption. Still, it is always advised that patients who have a family history of cancer and other thyroid gland diseases, such as Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2, do not use this peptide under any condition. If the patient notices symptoms such as a lump in the neck, neck stiffness, hoarseness, shortness of breath and trouble swallowing, urgent medical examination is required.
Occurrence of Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is the pancreatic inflammation process, and can be caused by various agents. The conclusions of various studies talk about the connection between Liraglutide administration and the dysfunction of the biliary system. It is assumed that using this peptide can result in pancreatitis due to its ability to expand the pancreatic glands and reduce the gallbladder motility. This condition can also be developed in the presence of cholelithiasis. Even if this is a rare complication, and it appears in the first three weeks of use, it is advised to immediately consult the doctor if the patient feels strong pain in the area of the abdomen, vomiting, or back pain.
Hypoglycemia
Any therapy that has the effect of reducing blood sugar levels as a side effect has an exaggerated effect of causing hypoglycemia. As such, Liraglutide must be used under the supervision of a doctor who decides on the dosage, and used in a precisely determined part of the day, after a meal when the glucose level is high. Otherwise, a hypoglycemic coma may occur, which could be life-threatening for the patient. It is crucial not to mix this peptide with other compounds that cause a similar effect, such as sulfonylureas or insulin. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include dizziness, low blood pressure, confusion, sweating, tremors, anxiety, weakness, hunger, and many others.
Other Side Effects
Using Liraglutide may cause other side effects such as diarrhea, vomiting, depressive thoughts, fatigue, constipation, and others. Mild allergic reactions or reactions at the injection site, such as redness or swelling, may also occur. Liraglutide has also been associated with the development of kidney dysfunction, according to some studies. The patient must always consult a doctor before using the peptide and apply it according to instructions and indications.
Safety
Liraglutide belongs to a class of highly beneficial peptides, mimicking the action of GLP-1. Its potential is most evident in treating Type 2 Diabetes and obesity with a reduced risk of developing cardiovascular complications. Scientists believe that if used as directed by a doctor, in the optimal dose and indications, it represents a safe compound. Liraglutide will certainly be the subject of future research.