DDI Researchers Delivered Two Oral Presentations and 10 Abstracts in the ADA 83rd Scientific Sessions
Published on 03/07/2023
DDI research departments have contributed immensely this year by presenting the research conducted in Kuwait at one of the most recognized diabetes conferences in the world: the American Diabetes Association 83RD Scientific Sessions.
Among other presenters, Dr. Jehad Abubaker, from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, was invited to deliver an oral presentation where he studied the effect of Tirzepatide, a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, In the context of metabolic surgery, which is gaining prominence as a means of managing weight and controlling metabolism. Tirzepatide has emerged as a promising therapeutic option for type 2 diabetes (T2D). This innovative approach combines GIP and GLP-1 receptor activation to achieve significant weight loss, glycemic control, and lipid reduction. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of Tirzepatide treatment with bariatric surgery in Sprague-Dawley rats, focusing on weight loss, NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease), insulin signaling, and insulin resistance. Rats were subjected to either a regular diet or a high-fat/carbohydrate cafeteria diet for 21 weeks, after which those on the high-fat diet were divided into various groups for treatments, including gastric sleeve surgery, Semaglutide, and different concentrations of Tirzepatide. These treatments continued for six weeks, followed by assessments of weight, OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test), liver biopsies, and gene expression analysis. The results showed that gastric sleeve surgery led to a 15.5% weight loss, while Semaglutide resulted in a 10.7% loss, and Tirzepatide, especially at the highest concentration (100 nM/Kg), achieved substantial weight loss (17.7%). All treatments improved glucose tolerance and NAFLD, with surgery and the highest Tirzepatide concentration being the most effective. Furthermore, gene expression analysis indicated reduced expression of lipid metabolism markers like ANGPTL3 and 8 across all treatments.
In conclusion, Tirzepatide, with its dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist properties, appears to offer metabolic improvements comparable to sleeve gastrectomy.
