Research exploring protective effect of hormone on hearts of individuals with diabetes

Diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are closely connected. People with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop heart conditions or have a stroke than those without diabetes.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a natural hormone released in the cells of intestine after eating. Its main function is to help manage blood sugar levels in the body by inducing insulin secretion. It also has a protective effect on the heart and blood vessels, particularly for those with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, but researchers aren’t sure why. 

Simrandeep Kaur, a PhD student in the lab of Dr. Robert Rose, PhD, is investigating the mechanisms behind GLP-1’s protective effect with the goal of developing new therapies for individuals experiencing diabetes. 

“We know that in clinical trials GLP-1 helps reduce inflammation and glycemia in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics,” she says. “We are trying to see if GLP-1 protects against structural and electrical remodelling in the heart.” 

Structural remodelling refers to the physical and functional changes in the heart muscle and chambers that occur in response to stress, injury, or disease that impacts the heart’s ability to function. Electrical remodelling refers to changes in the heart’s electrical properties that may lead to arrhythmias, like atrial fibrillation, a condition that is up to two times more common in individuals with diabetes that those without the condition.  

According to Kaur, hyperglycemia, inflammation and oxidative stress are key factors in heart remodelling in diabetics. Her project is investigating whether GLP-1 can reduce this oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby protecting the heart against harmful changes. 

Kaur received her master’s degree in molecular biology and biochemistry from Guru Nanak Dev University, India. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she conducted research on the inflammatory effects of the virus in individuals with diabetes. Her long-term objective is to establish herself as a leading researcher in the field of metabolic and inflammatory diseases. She aims to apply her expertise to advance the understanding, prevention, and treatment of diabetes, ultimately improving health outcomes for affected populations.