Protective effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 on cardiovascular system

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a member of the incretin family and has been introduced as a new class of antidiabetic medications in the past decade. Recent studies demonstrate that GLP-1 bestows cardiovascular protective effects beyond its hypoglycemic effects, which has become a research hotspot in the treatment of diabetic cardiovascular disease. GLP-1 exerts multiple protective effects on cardiovascular system by controlling the blood pressure, improving endothelial functions, inhibiting the formation of atherosclerotic lesions, reducing myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury, and improving heart function.