Antiobesity Activity of Liraglutide on High Fat Diet-Induced Obesity in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Liraglutide is a glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue. GLP-1 is a potent inhibitor of motility and gastric emptying and has also been shown to inhibit gastric acid secretion. The inhibition of gastric emptying leads to decreased food intake and reduced body weight. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-obesity effect of the Liraglutide on high fat diet (HFD) induced obesity in Wistar rats. Obesity was induced by oral feeding of HFD for six weeks. The anti-obesity effect of Liraglutide (0.2 mg/kg, i.p. for 14 days) in HFD fed rats was evaluated by the measurement of body mass index (BMI), body weight gain, food intake, hemodynamic changes (systolic, diastolic, mean blood pressure and heart rate), serum leptin, lipid profiles (triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol), glucose. Organ (Liver) and visceral fat pad weights were measured. Liraglutide significantly reduced BMI, body weight gain, and mean blood pressure, serum leptin, lipids and glucose levels while it significantly increased the serum HDL-cholesterol, as compared to the HFD fed rats. The results of the present study suggest that liraglutide has a potential role in the treatment of obesity.