Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists in cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome: a review

Abstract

With the rising global prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes, metabolic disorders have become major drivers of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide. Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome encompasses obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and cardiovascular disease (CVD), all of which share common pathophysiological pathways. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), a novel class of antihyperglycemic agents, have demonstrated pleiotropic effects-including weight reduction, blood pressure lowering, albuminuria reduction, decreased major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and slowed progression of renal dysfunction. These benefits position GLP-1RAs as a potential cornerstone therapy for CKM syndrome. This review synthesizes recent advances in GLP-1RA research within the CKM framework, explores their underlying mechanisms, and offers insights to refine diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for cardiometabolic diseases.

Keywords

glucagon-like peptide 1 / obesity / type 2 diabetes mellitus / chronic kidney disease / cardiovascular disease

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