Washington: The glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist semaglutide has been found to be effective in preventing the loss of glucagon receptors in the SELECT trial. kidney function People who are overweight or obese and have heart disease but do not have diabetes.

A remarkable secondary analysis of the SELECT (Semaglutide Effects on Heart Disease and Stroke in Patients With Overweight or Obesity) experiment, a randomized trial involving 17,604 participants, was presented today by researchers at the 61st ERA Congress.

According to experts, the study findings are a ray of hope for individuals suffering from obesity, as the disease is known to cause a decline in kidney function and increase the risk of obesity. Macroalbuminuriaor abnormally high levels of albumin protein in the urine.

With a mean follow-up period of about 3.5 years, in patients who were given the drug once a week subcutaneous injection Adverse kidney-related events were experienced by 22 percent fewer people (1.8 percent) receiving semaglutide 2.4 mg (n = 8,803) than those receiving placebo (n = 8,801) (2.2 percent) (chronic renal replacement therapy, significant (> = 50 percent) decline in kidney function, or onset Persistent macroalbuminuriaThe ability of semaglutide to prevent the onset of macroalbuminuria was highlighted as a key factor in reducing the likelihood of kidney-related complications. The study also assessed the effect of semaglutide on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), a measure of kidney function in removing waste and excess water from the blood through urine. Findings indicated a significantly smaller decline in eGFR among semaglutide recipients compared with the placebo group, with the effect being more pronounced in participants with a baseline eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (P).
Further decrease in urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) Certified SemaglutideWhile not much information is available about its beneficial effects on kidney health, a significant reduction in its beneficial effects was observed in semaglutide-treated individuals compared to placebo (P
UACR analysis measures the ratio of albumin (a protein) and creatinine (a waste product) in the urine, helping to detect albuminuria, which can be a sign of kidney damage or dysfunction. With semaglutide, there was a net 8.1 percent reduction in UACR in people with normal albumin levels at baseline, a 27.2 percent reduction in people with microalbuminuria (slightly increased albumin) at baseline, and a 31.4 percent reduction in people with macroalbuminuria at baseline relative to placebo.

Importantly, the study found no increased risk of acute kidney injury with semaglutide treatment, regardless of baseline kidney function.

More than one billion people worldwide are affected by obesity. Obesity rates are increasing significantly, doubling between 1990 and 2022 among adult women (from 8.8 percent to 18.5 percent) and nearly tripling among adult men (from 4.8 percent to 14.0 percent). The total number of children affected by obesity in 2022 is estimated to be around 160 million, compared to 31 million in 1990.

Lead study author Professor Helen M. Colhoun commented, “By addressing key indicators of kidney health, semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly may contribute to a significant reduction in the risk of kidney-related complications, including chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. This may help in better management of co-morbidities and ultimately improve the quality of life of individuals with obesity.”

“The gains observed in eGFR and UACR are particularly encouraging, suggesting the potential for improved management of renal complications in the overweight and obese patient population without diabetes. The findings also underscore the importance of continued research into the potential renal benefits of semaglutide and highlight its role as a promising therapeutic option in the multifaceted management of cardiovascular and renal health in this high-risk population.”