GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptides 1, such as Semaglutide, active ingredient in Ozempic, Wegovy) and dual GLP-1/GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide, such as Tirzepatide, active ingredient in Mounjaro, Zepbound) are mostly known for their effects on insulin resistance, blood sugar, and weight loss. But they, in fact, offer way more benefits for the body.
Dr. Dominique Fradin-Read is pleased to share the following:
We already have good clinical evidence supporting these neuroprotective effects:
Both agents exert several neuroprotective effects:
While current findings are promising, further research is essential to fully understand the neuroprotective mechanisms of these treatments and their potential applications in treating neurodegenerative diseases. Clinical trials are underway to explore their efficacy in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis.
Semaglutide has demonstrated significant cardiovascular benefits in recent clinical studies, extending its therapeutic potential beyond diabetes and obesity management.
SELECT Trial: In a large-scale trial involving over 17,000 adults with cardiovascular risk factors, Semaglutide reduced the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE)—including heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death—by 20% compared to placebo. Notably, these benefits were observed regardless of participants' baseline weight or the amount of weight lost during the study .
Oral Semaglutide Cardiovascular Outcomes: A study presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session found that oral Semaglutide reduced the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, or stroke by 14% over four years.
Heart Failure and Kidney Disease Substudies: Additional analyses revealed that Semaglutide also benefits individuals with heart failure and chronic kidney disease. In these high-risk populations, Semaglutide reduced the risk of heart failure events and cardiovascular death, underscoring its potential in managing complex cardiometabolic conditions
This protective effect is attributed to several mechanisms that promote heart health, including:
Tirzepatide has a similar mechanism of action with added benefits due to its dual target on two receptors. This may further improve insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism. Tirzepatide has been shown to significantly reduce liver fat content, as demonstrated by proton density fat fraction (PDFF) studies, leading to improved liver function and favorable effects on cholesterol levels.
While full cardiovascular outcomes for Tirzepatide are not yet available, the preliminary data are very promising.
GLP-1 receptors are found in bone tissue, suggesting a direct role in bone metabolism.
Theoretical mechanisms include:
Emerging research indicates that these medications also possess significant systemic anti-inflammatory properties, offering potential therapeutic benefits beyond their conventional uses.
Several mechanisms are underpinning this anti-inflammatory effect:
These medicines can change how immune cells behave. They help reduce harmful substances in the body called pro-inflammatory cytokines (like TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-1β), which are often high in autoimmune diseases.
At the same time, they can increase helpful anti-inflammatory signals, like IL-10, which help calm the immune system.
GLP-1 and GLP1/ GIP medicines can turn off a key “inflammation switch” in the body called the NF-κB pathway. This pathway controls many of the genes that cause inflammation.
These medicines also activate a natural “helper” in the body called AMPK.
By acting on these pathways, both Semaglutide and Tirzepatide help reduce inflammation by stopping the production of harmful chemicals that cause swelling and pain.
These actions help the body keep a healthy balance between metabolism and inflammation.
Clinical studies have demonstrated that GLP-1 medications significantly lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-αwhile increasing adiponectin levels, indicating a reduction in general systemic inflammation.
GLP-1 agonists like Semaglutide and dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists like Tirzepatide may offer immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory benefits that could help people with autoimmune diseases. However, more research is needed to confirm their role in treating or preventing these conditions.
Both Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are medications that primarily help with weight loss and insulin resistance, which are common issues in women with PCOS.
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide both help improve insulin sensitivity, meaning your body can use insulin more effectively. Since many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, these medications can help reduce blood sugar levels and lower insulin levels, improving overall metabolic health.
Weight gain is a common issue in PCOS. Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are both effective in promoting weight loss. Losing weight can help improve insulin sensitivity, reduce androgens (male hormones), and may lead to better menstrual regularity.
By improving insulin sensitivity and helping with weight loss, these medications can help regulate menstrual cycles, which is often a challenge for women with PCOS due to hormonal imbalances.
Since weight loss and better insulin control are important for fertility in PCOS patients , these medications may help improve chances of pregnancy by addressing these issues.
While early studies and clinical experiences are promising, these medications are not yet FDA-approved specifically for PCOS. Research on how they work for PCOS-related symptoms is still ongoing.
Beyond their metabolic effects, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide anti-inflammatory properties suggest potential therapeutic applications in conditions characterized by chronic inflammation, such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, bone degenerative disease and autoimmune conditions. These peptides could be considered as potential “anti-aging agents.”
