Background: Preclinical data has shown that GLP-1 receptor agonists play a role in nerve regeneration and repair. However, few studies have investigated the effects of these compounds on nerve function in humans. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of Liraglutide (Lira) on somatic nerve function in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Methods: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of Lira 1.8 mg daily for 52 weeks. All participants were evaluated with the following somatic nerve function tests: Utah Early Neuropathy Scale (UENS) , quantitative sensory testing (QST) for cold and warm perception thresholds (Q-Sense v6.0.13.1; Medoc - Minneapolis, MN) , nerve conduction studies (NCS) (Sierra Summit System; Cadwell Industries - Kennewick, WA) and in vivo corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) to measure corneal nerve fiber density, branching and length (Tomograph III; Heidelberg Engineering - Smithfield, Rhode Island)
Results: We randomized 44 subjects (21 to Lira and 23 to pb) . Baseline characteristics were similar. Main results are shown in Table 1. In both groups, there was no significant change on UENS, QSTs, NCS and CCM measures after 1 year of treatment. The results also were not significantly different between the groups.
Conclusions: This study did not show improvements in somatic nerve function after 52 weeks of treatment with Lira. The small sample size may have contributed to the negative result.
C.M.Casellini: Advisory Panel; Nevro Corp. H.Parson: None. M.D.Bailey: None. E.S.Siraj: Consultant; Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk, Research Support; Novo Nordisk.
Novo Nordisk (Grant#15-12-FB-0218)
