oxyntomodulin and Calcinosis

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of semaglutide, a long acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, on atherosclerotic inflammation and calcification using a multimodality positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET/CT) approach.. Atherosclerotic New Zealand White rabbits were randomized to an intervention- (n = 12) or placebo group (n = 11) receiving either semaglutide or saline-placebo. PET/CT imaging was done before and after 16-weeks of intervention. Three different radiotracers were used: [. Semaglutide decreased vascular uptake of tracers imaging activated macrophages and cellular metabolism but not micro-calcifications compared to a saline placebo. This supports the hypothesis that semaglutide reduces atherosclerotic inflammation by means of decreased activated macrophage activity.

Topics: Animals; Atherosclerosis; Calcinosis; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Glucagon-Like Peptides; Inflammation; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Positron-Emission Tomography; Rabbits; Radionuclide Imaging; Radiopharmaceuticals