Research has found that both obesity and cardiovascular disease can increase a person’s risk of developing kidney disease. A recent study conducted at the University of Edinburgh shows that semaglutide, an active ingredient in certain medications, may help reduce the progression of kidney disease in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, research presented at the European Renal Association Conference suggests that semaglutide may also protect kidney function in people who are overweight or obese with established cardiovascular disease. The Select trial, which included over 17,000 participants, found that those receiving semaglutide injections experienced 22% fewer adverse kidney-related events compared to the placebo group.
Participants in the study who received semaglutide had a lower decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which measures kidney function by filtering waste and excess water from the blood. Semaglutide also led to a decrease in urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), indicating improved kidney function in those with pre-existing kidney impairment. The study’s lead author, Prof. Helen M. Colhoun, highlighted the potential of semaglutide in reducing the risk of kidney-related complications, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for individuals with obesity. The results suggest that semaglutide may be a promising therapeutic option for managing cardiovascular and renal health in high-risk populations.
Medical experts not involved in the study noted that the findings were not surprising, as weight loss has been shown to improve organ function in individuals who are overweight or obese. Obesity can stress all organs, including the kidneys, heart, lungs, and liver, leading to decreased efficiency and increased inflammation. The study’s findings offer insight into the potential benefits of semaglutide in protecting and improving kidney function, especially in individuals with obesity and cardiovascular disease. Future research should explore whether the improvements in kidney function with semaglutide are independent of weight loss and directly related to the medication’s anti-inflammatory properties.
Interventional cardiologist Cheng-Han Chen emphasized the significance of protecting kidney function in obese individuals with heart disease, as kidney disease has significant morbidity and mortality rates in the United States. Semaglutide has been shown to be beneficial in patients with diabetes and obesity, making it a promising option for slowing the progression of kidney disease. Future research should investigate if the benefits of semaglutide extend to preventing poor kidney outcomes such as dialysis or kidney transplant. It would be interesting to see if the improvement in kidney function with semaglutide is independent of weight loss, similar to its effects on cardiovascular health. Further research is needed to determine the mechanisms through which semaglutide protects kidney function and its potential implications for patients with obesity and cardiovascular disease.
Overall, the recent study on semaglutide’s impact on kidney function in individuals with obesity and cardiovascular disease highlights the medication’s potential as an effective therapeutic option. By reducing adverse kidney events and improving kidney function markers, semaglutide could help enhance the management of comorbidities and improve the quality of life for high-risk populations. Future research should explore the mechanisms underlying semaglutide’s protective effects on the kidneys, independent of weight loss, to further elucidate its potential benefits for individuals with obesity and cardiovascular disease. The findings underscore the importance of continued research into novel treatments for kidney disease in high-risk populations, emphasizing the potential of semaglutide as a promising therapeutic option for cardiovascular and renal health management.
