Glucagon-like peptide and its receptor agonists for the treatment of rheumatic diseases - Review

Sep 30, 2026

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are established therapies for metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and obesity, improving insulin secretion, promoting weight loss, and regulating blood glucose. Emerging evidence suggests GLP-1RAs may also benefit inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. This review examines GLP-1RA use in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus, highlighting immunomodulatory effects. By modulating immune cell activity, increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines, shifting macrophages toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype, and enhancing regulatory T-cell function, these agents may support immune homeostasis and serve as promising adjunctive strategies. Further clinical trials are needed to validate efficacy, clarify mechanisms, and confirm long-term safety.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time23 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

| W | J | E | M | World Journal of
Experimental Medicine | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | Submit a Manuscript: [https://www.f6publishing.com](https://www.f6publishing.com) World J Exp Med 2025 September 20; 15(3): 107020 DOI: 10.5493/wjem.v15.i3.107020 ISSN 2220-315x (online) MINIREVIEWS Glucagon-like peptide and its receptor agonists for the treatment of rheumatic diseases Elie Chamchoum, Nadia Katrib, Nicolas Nassif, Yara Ratel, Mohamad Ali Rida Specialty type: Medicine, research and experimental Provenance and peer review: Unsolicited article; Externally peer reviewed. Peer-review model: Single blind Peer-review report’s classification Scientific Quality: Grade B, Grade B, Grade C, Grade C Novelty: Grade A, Grade C, Grade C, Grade C Creativity or Innovation: Grade B, Grade B, Grade C, Grade C Scientific Significance: Grade B, Grade B, Grade C, Grade D P-Reviewer: Dubey VP; Fan X; Shao Z Received: March 13, 2025 Revised: May 10, 2025 Accepted: July 10, 2025 Published online: September 20, 2025 Processing time: 152 Days and 11 Hours Elie Chamchoum, Nadia Katrib, Nicolas Nassif, Yara Ratel, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Beirut 1, Lebanon Mohamad Ali Rida, Department of Internal Medicine, Clemenceau Medical Center, Beirut 1, Lebanon Corresponding author: Mohamad Ali Rida, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Clemenceau Medical Center, Clemenceau, Beirut 1, Lebanon. [mohamad.ali.rida@gmail.com](mohamad.ali.rida@gmail.com) Abstract Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and its receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are wellestablished therapies for metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and obesity due to their ability to enhance insulin secretion, promote weight loss, and regulate blood glucose levels. Emerging evidence, however, indicates that GLP-1RAs may also have therapeutic potential in inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. This review explores the evolving role of GLP-1RAs in managing rheumatic diseases, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Studies suggest that GLP-1RAs reduce inflammation by modulating immune cell activity, increasing anti-inflammatory cytokine production, shifting macrophage polarization toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype, and enhancing regulatory T-cell function to maintain immune homeostasis. These immunomodulatory effects point toward a promising adjunctive strategy in current clinical practice for patients with rheumatic diseases, particularly those with metabolic comorbidities. Further clinical trials are warranted to validate these findings, clarify underlying mechanisms, and assess long-term safety, ultimately paving the way for novel treatment approaches in rheumatology. Key Words: Glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists; Osteoarthritis; Rheumatoid arthritis; Psoriatic arthritis; System lupus erythematosus; Inflammation ©The Author(s) 2025. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved. WJEM [https://www.wjgnet.com](https://www.wjgnet.com) 1 September 20, 2025 Volume 15 Issue 3 Chamchoum E et al. Glucagon-like peptide and rheumatic diseases Core Tip: Growing evidence suggests that glucagon-like peptide-1 and its receptor agonists could be an effective treatment option not only for metabolic disorders but also for a range of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. They may protect cartilage and reduce joint inflammation, lower the levels of inflammatory cytokines, and help prevent further joint damage and address both the metabolic and inflammatory aspects, reducing cytokine levels and potentially improving disease outcomes. Citation: Chamchoum E, Katrib N, Nassif N, Ratel Y, Rida MA. Glucagon-like peptide and its receptor agonists for the treatment of rheumatic diseases. World JExp Med 2025; 15(3): 107020 URL: [https://www.wjgnet.com/2220-315x/full/v15/i3/107020.htm](https://www.wjgnet.com/2220-315x/f

FAQs

What conditions do GLP-1 and GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) address according to the review?

They are established for metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. The review also discusses potential therapeutic roles in rheumatic diseases including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.

How might GLP-1RAs reduce inflammation in rheumatic diseases?

They may reduce inflammation by modulating immune cell activity, increasing anti-inflammatory cytokine production, shifting macrophage polarization toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype, and enhancing regulatory T-cell function to maintain immune homeostasis.

Why are further clinical trials considered necessary?

The review states that additional clinical trials are warranted to validate the findings, clarify underlying mechanisms, and assess long-term safety before translating them into broader clinical practice.

Sep 30, 2026

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