Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Analogues Exenatide and Liraglutide Exert Inhibitory Effect on the Early Phase of Liver Regeneration After Partial Hepatectomy in Rats

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin known for proliferative and antiapoptotic effects on various tissues. Exenatide and Liraglutide are GLP-1 analogues used in clinical practice as antidiabetic drugs. Since GLP-1 and its analogues exert significant effect on liver metabolism and since changes in intermediary metabolism play an important role in the process of liver regeneration, we decided to determine the effect of Exenatide and Liraglutide on the early phase of liver regeneration and selected metabolic parameters in a model of 2/3 partial hepatectomy (PHx) in rats. Animals were submitted either to PHx or laparotomy and received 3 doses of either GLP-1 analogues (Exenatide -42 mu g/kg b.w., Liraglutide -0.75 mg/kg b.w.) or saline intraperitoneally. We analyzed body and liver weight, liver bromodeoxyuridine incorporation, liver content of DNA, triacylglycerols and cholesterol and biochemical serum parameters. Bromodeoxyuridine labeling was significantly lower in hepatectomized rats receiving either type of GLP-1 analogues when compared to hepatectomized controls. This effect was more pronounced in the Liraglutide group compared to Exenatide (p<0.001). In addition, liver DNA content was lower in hepatectomized rats receiving Liraglutide than in hepatectomized control rats (p<0.001). In conclusion, GLP-1 analogues Exenatide and Liraglutide significantly inhibited an early phase of liver regeneration after PHx in rats. This inhibitory effect was more pronounced in rats receiving Liraglutide.