Effects of GLP-1 Analogues and Agonists on the Gut Microbiota: A Systematic Review

GLP-1 analogues are a relatively new class of medications that form the cornerstone of diabetes treatment. They possess invaluable glucose-lowering properties without hypoglycemic effects as well as strong cardioprotective effects. The gut microbiome has become the focus of numerous studies, demonstrating its influence not only on the gut but also on the overall well-being of the entire body. However, the effects of GLP-1 analogs on gut microbiota remain uncertain. Scope of review: Our systematic review (based on PRISMA guidelines) aimed to gather knowledge on the effects of GLP-1 analogue medications on the composition, richness, and abundance of gut microbiota in both animal and human models.

Thirty-eight studies were included in this systematic review. GLP-1 analogues have demonstrated a notable impact on the composition, richness, and diversity of gut microbiota. We can conclude, following the obtained research results of our study, that liraglutide promotes the growth of beneficial genera relevant for beneficial metabolic functions. Exenatide and exendin-4 administration showed various effects on the microbiome composition in animal and human studies. In animal models, it increased genera associated with improved metabolism; however, in human models, genera linked to better metabolic functions and escalated inflammation increased. Following dulaglutide administration, increases in Bacteroides, Akkermansia, and Ruminococcus, genera connected to an improved metabolic model, were significant. Finally, varied results were obtained after semaglutide treatment, in which A. muciniphila, known for its positive metabolic functions, increased; however, microbial diversity decreased. Semaglutide treatment provided various results indicating many confounding factors in semaglutide’s impact on the gut microbiota. Results varied due to dissimilarities in the studied populations and the duration of the studies. Further research is essential to confirm these findings and to better recognize their implications for the clinical outcomes of patients.