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Influence of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on renal parameters: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Li W, Liang X, Sun N, Zhang D

BMC endocrine disorders, 2025

1 citation

Abstract

Aims: To verify the influence of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) on renal function parameters in type 2 diabetes based on well-known randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods: PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Embase, and grey literature were searched for RCTs published until December 24, 2024. The quality of the RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for continuous variables using meta-analysis. The primary outcomes were composite renal function parameters, including serum creatinine (Cr) levels, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urinary albumin excretion (UAE), and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR).

Results: Pooled data from 24 studies revealed that GLP-1 RA positively influenced renal outcomes in the type 2 diabetes group to some extent compared with that in the control group. GLP- 1 RA decreased serum creatinine levels (WMD=-0.10, 95%CI -0.19 to -0.01, I2 = 33%, P 2 = 27%, P 2 = 0%, P 2 = 15%, P < 0.05) in the type 2 diabetes group.

Conclusion: GLP-1 RA treatment significantly elevated eGFR, decreased the UACR, and positively influenced renal function outcomes in the type 2 diabetes group.

Clinical trial number: Not applicable.

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