Incretin-Based Therapies and Cardiovascular Health: Implications on Metabolic and Inflammatory Mechanisms

The field of cardiovascular endocrinology has witnessed significant advancements with the arrival of incretin-based therapies, originally designed for glycemic control and weight loss, now revealing robust benefits in cardiovascular health. Historically, the cardiac advantages of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonists were largely attributed to their effects on weight reduction and improved glycemic parameters. However, emerging research indicates that these agents engage a broader spectrum of biological processes. Recent studies have illuminated the roles of inflammation modulation, immune-metabolic crosstalk, and paracrine signaling from epicardial adipose tissue, all of which may contribute to the stabilization of atherosclerotic plaques, improvement in endothelial function, and the prevention or mitigation of myocardial and vascular injury. Despite these promising findings, the precise pathways and patient-specific determinants of therapy response remain inadequately characterized, especially in relation to sex differences, special populations, and real-world use.This Research Topic aims to clarify and advance understanding of the metabolic and inflammatory mechanisms through which incretin-based therapies exert their cardiovascular effects. By integrating basic, translational, and clinical investigations, this topic seeks to answer key questions about how GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists modulate immune and inflammatory pathways, epicardial adipose tissue biology, vascular health, and heart failure outcomes. Further objectives include identifying relevant biomarkers, exploring sex-related differences, and evaluating the effectiveness and equity of these therapies in diverse patient groups. Ultimately, this Research Topic endeavors to bridge ongoing gaps between mechanistic discovery and clinical translation, driving innovation in cardiovascular care for people with metabolic disorders.The scope of this Research Topic encompasses mechanistic, experimental, and clinical studies that elucidate the complex pathways by which incretin-based therapies influence cardiovascular health. While focusing on metabolic and inflammatory mechanisms, studies may also highlight topics related to patient stratification, sex differences, and clinical practice implications, but should remain within the context of incretin-mediated cardiovascular effects. To gather further insights in this area, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Immune-metabolic cross-talk and the reduction of systemic inflammation and inflammasome activity- Modulation of epicardial adipose tissue and its impact on myocardial fibrosis, myocarditis, and arrhythmogenesis- Vascular endothelial function, nitric oxide bioavailability, and attenuation of oxidative stress- The metabolic reprogramming of the failing myocardium under incretin-based therapy- Sex disparities and biomarker/endotype research in cardiovascular outcomes on incretin therapy- Precision medicine and the impact of therapy in special populations, including diverse ancestries and underrepresented groups- Real-world evidence addressing adherence, tolerability, clinical effectiveness, and pragmatic endpoints Topic editors: Gabriel Komla Adzika, Marie Louise Ndzie Noah, Joseph Adu-Amankwaah Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78017/incretin-based-therapies-and-cardiovascular-health-implications-on-metabolic-and-inflammatory-mechanisms